U.S. cattle herd at 75-year low, beef prices rise
10 reported
The U.S. cattle herd has fallen to its smallest size in 75 years, with 86.2 million head recorded on January 1, according to USDA data, the lowest since 1951. Rising costs, drought, international competition, and industry consolidation have driven the decline, along with record-high cattle prices prompting producers to sell livestock rather than rebuild herds. Despite the smaller herd, U.S. beef production has remained stable because cattle are now heavier, with finished animals weighing 200 to 300 pounds more than in the 1950s. A parasitic fly, the New World screwworm, detected in Mexico and less than 70 miles from the U.S. border, led Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to block all live cattle imports from Mexico in May 2025, further tightening domestic supply. The meatpacking industry is highly consolidated, with four companies controlling over 80% of the market since 1995, and President Trump directed the Justice Department in November to investigate them for potential collusion and price fixing. The USDA announced a plan to fortify the American beef industry, including expanded grazing on federal lands and stricter "Product of USA" labeling, while the Trump administration also increased beef imports from Argentina at lower tariffs.
What’s reported
The U.S. cattle herd had 86.2 million head on January 1, the lowest since 1951.
Factors include rising costs, drought, international competition, and industry consolidation.
Record-high cattle prices have led producers to sell livestock and avoid rebuilding herds.
The New World screwworm, detected in Mexico, led to a May 2025 ban on live cattle imports from Mexico.
Mexico accounted for about 62% of U.S. cattle imports between 2020 and 2024.
Four companies have controlled over 80% of the cattle-processing market since 1995.
President Trump directed the Justice Department in November to investigate JBS, Cargill, Tyson Foods, and National Beef for potential collusion and price fixing.
The USDA announced a plan to fortify the American beef industry, including expanded grazing on federal lands and stricter "Product of USA" labels.
The U.S. imported a record 4.64 billion pounds of beef in 2024, a 24% increase over the previous year.
U.S. beef production was 11.8 million metric tons in 2025, up from 7.2 million metric tons in 1960.
Key figures
Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA
Amanda Hall, farmer in Lexington, Ky.
Reid Hall, farmer in Lexington, Ky.
Jason Cleere, professor and extension beef cattle specialist at Texas A&M University
Scott Wilbeck, pet-funeral director and co-owner of two Texas cattle operations
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins
President Trump
Sources: NPR
