U.S. Beef Cow Inventory Update – Jul ’18
According to USDA’s semiannual cattle inventory report, the U.S. beef cow herd continued to expand throughout the first half of 2018, finishing at a ten year seasonal high. The total beef cow herd stood at 32.5 million head as of July 1st, 2018, up 300,000 head from the previous year. The beef cow herd increased 0.9% from the previous year, finishing higher for the fourth consecutive year.
The number of beef replacement heifers declined for the third consecutive year, however, finishing 2.1% below the previous year. Total beef heifer replacements of 4.60 million head finished at a five year low overall, down 100,000 head from the previous year. On a heifer replacement per beef cow basis, the Jul ’18 figure of 0.142 finished at a six year low, 2.1% below ten year average figures.
The number of beef replacement heifers declined for the third consecutive year, however, finishing 2.1% below the previous year. Total beef heifer replacements of 4.60 million head finished at a five year low overall, down 100,000 head from the previous year. On a heifer replacement per beef cow basis, the Jul ’18 figure of 0.142 finished at a six year low, 2.1% below ten year average figures.