U.S. Cattle Herd at 75-Year Low: Implications for Beef Prices and Industry Challenges
The U.S. cattle herd has reached its lowest level in 75 years, with only 86.2 million head of cattle reported at the start of the year. This decline is attributed to rising operational costs, drought, international competition, and industry consolidation. Despite the reduced herd size, beef production remains strong due to larger cattle. However, the high costs of raising cattle and borrowing money, coupled with the loss of farmland to urban sprawl, pose significant challenges for farmers. The USDA reports a 17% decline in cattle operations over five years, with fewer young farmers entering the industry. 
