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
Lori Stevermer with the National Pork Producers Council reacts to the USDA’s speedline proposal, the new Farm Bill’s fix for California’s Prop-12, and other policy developments impacting the pork industry.
South Texas farmers say water shortages continue despite Mexico’s renewed payments under the 1944 Water Treaty.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law reviews key highlights from the House Agriculture Committee’s latest farm bill proposal.
The Action Aims to Lower Food Costs for Consumers and Strengthen the Supply Chain
Slightly higher sales amid shrinking acreage and inventories point to tighter supplies supporting catfish prices.
Winter Weather Shapes Markets and Early Fieldwork Nationwide

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jose de Jesus explains the National Pork Board’s new campaign, “Taste What Pork Can Do,” which aims to build long-term engagement with Millennial and Gen-Z consumers.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen highlights the legal challenges surrounding stray voltage, a recent court decision, and what it means for agricultural producers.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins shared a behind-the-scenes look at the journey as part of what’s being called the “Great American Egg Road Trip.”
Rising costs are significantly extending walnut profitability timelines.