August 26, 2005

US cattle numbers slightly up in July this year
 

As of July 1 this year, US cattle and calf numbers totalled 104.5 million head, a slightly less than one percent year-on-year rise, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Beef cow numbers registered 33.75 million head, a less than 1 percent year-on-year rise.

The higher numbers did not surprise industry observers because of greatly improved moisture conditions in many cattle-producing states.

Meanwhile, this year's calf crop was forecast at 37.8 million head, up slightly from 37.6 million in 2004, but down slightly from 37.9 million in 2003.