USDA report flags 75-year low in U.S. cattle as Texas drought shrinks herds

Описание: A report released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) found that right now were at an all-time low over 75 years when it comes to cattle in the United States.

The number of beef cows has dipped across the Lone Star State, as they saw a record low of January placements at feedlots at just 290,000.

“The biggest issue here in Texas has been the drought, as we all know, so lack of forage, so there’s been a reduction in the cow herd in Texas,” said Ronny Kirkland, general manager of Kirkland Feedyards.

“When we look at our current cattle on feed inventories here in Texas, we have 7% fewer cattle on feed this year than we did last year,” said Ben Weinheimer, president/CEO of Texas Cattle Feeders Association.


The numbers show a sharp decline in the number of beef cattle in Texas, raising the question of why some beef packing operations are expanding capacity.

“As far as the packing capacity, we are seeing some increase in capacity, some changes within the industry,” said Kirkland. “There’s been a lot of infrastructure being built in the Texas Panhandle, as they get ready and prepare for hopefully higher numbers coming in the near future.”

“The primary factors in determining whether or not the cattle herd number increases or decreases are related to, first of all, the price ranchers receive for their cattle and second, how much pasture they have that is available to graze cattle from year to year,” said Weinheimer.

In order to reverse this trend of cattle numbers being so low, what’s needed now is consistent rainfall month after month, year after year.

Slow soaking rains are preferred, but due to the severity of the drought, any form of moisture is badly needed.

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