USDA released two key reports on the cattle market today, the Cattle on Feed report and the July Cattle Inventory report. The Cattle Inventory report was suspended last year, so this is the first mid-year look at the cattle herd since 2023. The nation’s cattle herd, as of 1 July, is 94.2 million head, a little above pre-report expectations but still 1 percent below 1 July 2023. In line with expectations, the number of bulls 500 pounds and heavier were unchanged at 1.9 million head. Every other category, however, dropped.
Beef cows at 28.7 million head are down 1 percent from 2023 Beef replacement heifers at 3.7 million head are down 3 percent from 2023 Steers 500 pounds and over are 13.8 million head, do...
What You Need to Know Today: Markets got a surprise with a corn yield of 181.2 bushels/acre in the October WASDE, above the average estimate of 177.6 bushels/acre and up from USDA’s September estimate of 178.5 bushels/acre. Although stronger demand is expected to absorb some of the addit...
Key Takeaways: On Friday afternoon, President Trump announced that Russia will “immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel” to the United States. The deal, typical of this administration, is light on details but promises an additional 500,000 tons in November and 1 m...
The USDA has lowered its 2026 red meat production forecasts slightly while forecasting a slight increase in broiler production. Beef is now projected at 24.802 billion pounds, 75 million pounds less than in September. Cow slaughter is expected to be up; however, this will be offset by lower ste...
