What's the latest when it comes to the U.S. Beef Herd?  USDA Livestock Analyst, Shayle Shagum took a look at the recent cattle inventory and monthly catalog feed report.  He said the total number of animals in feed stocks, July first 13.6 million, up 2% from a year ago the largest inventory for at least the last 23 years.

 

But when you look at the rest of the numbers he noted it paints a picture to a steady to slightly declining inventory.  Partly because of that July first number of beef replacement heifers, 4.4 million head down 4% from a year ago.

 

“Which would indicated that producers are pulling back on expanding the cow herd.”

Shagum said cow calf operators have been getting somewhat low prices for feeders.  Those operators have been right at the breakeven point now for over a year.

 

“So there's probably not a lot of signal for them to expand, nor is there much of a signal for them to contract.”

 

So it could be a "steady as she goes" thing until we see what happens to this season's corn, soybeans, and hay crops.

 

 

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com

More From PNW Ag Network