USDA to release its only cattle inventory report of the year today

EDITOR’S NOTE: In March 2025, the USDA announced it would resume the July Cattle Inventory Reports. The next one will be released on July 25, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s only Cattle Inventory Report will be out later today. The markets are eager to get ahold of this data, which will be the only report of its kind this year.

The big question will be whether the U.S. beef cow herd has seen any growth. Some analysts believe the number will be lower than last year’s January report. Analysts with DTN feel the same. Adding slaughter data for last year also supports a decline.

The USDA decided to stop publishing the July Cattle Inventory Report last year. The Department says the move was necessary due to budget concerns. NCBA calls the move misguided, and Dr. Darrell Peel says it will be a big loss for the industry.

The Cattle Inventory Report will be the only one of the year and will come out at 3:00 PM Eastern.

PDF: JANUARY 2025 CATTLE INVENTORY REPORT

Related Stories
Strong corn and China-driven demand support the pace of U.S. grain exports. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses Canada-China agricultural trade talks.
This Final Rule adopts the changes introduced in the Interim Final Rule, consolidating seven agency-specific NEPA regulations into a single, department-wide framework, reducing the overall volume of regulations by 66 percent.
Rich Nelson with Allendale joined us to break down early planting progress, market expectations, and what producers should keep an eye on as the season moves forward.
Improving dairy prices could support stronger milk checks later this year.
Cattle producers face mounting pressure as U.S.-Mexico trade talks resume, but expanding drought, rising input costs, and policy work to improve the long-term industry outlook.
The White House’s plan calls for a nearly 20 percent reduction in the USDA’s budget, which would impact various food and agriculture aid programs.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

FarmHER and expectant mother Stephanie Stade-Townsend showcases her family’s thriving agritourism destination just outside Chicago.
The IRS recently issued its 2024 guidance on the extended replacement period for drought (and other weather-related) livestock sales. RFD-TV Ag Legal & Tax expert Roger McEowen discusses the IRS’ extension of the replacement period for livestock sold due to weather-related conditions.
FarmHER Debra Lockard joined us Friday on the Market Day Report to discuss her upcoming show episode, which premieres on Tuesday, October 1 at 9:00 PM ET, only on RFD-TV!
Meet FarmHER Debra Lockard, a third-generation Tennessee produce grower who splits her time running two farms in West Tennessee and teaching ag classes that promote sustainable farming practices in her Memphis community.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.