U.S. Cattle Herd Hits 75-Year Low as Beef Prices Remain High
The Story
The U.S. cattle herd is at its smallest in 75 years, with 86.2 million head as of January 1, 2026, the lowest since 1951, according to USDA data. Rising costs, drought, international competition, and industry consolidation have reduced livestock numbers. Record-high cattle prices have prompted producers to sell and discouraged rebuilding. Despite the smaller herd, beef production has remained steady because cattle now weigh more. A parasitic screwworm detected in Mexico led to a May 2025 ban on live cattle imports from Mexico, which had supplied 62% of U.S. cattle imports. The Trump administration directed the Justice Department to investigate four major meatpackers for potential collusion. U.S. beef imports reached a record 4.64 billion pounds in 2024, and tariffs on Argentine beef were reduced.
Key Facts
- The U.S. cattle herd had 86.2 million head on Jan 1, 2026, the lowest since 1951.
- USDA data showed 882,692 cattle operations in 2017, falling to 732,123 five years later – a 17% decline.
- The screwworm was detected less than 70 miles from the U.S. border in September, prompting a ban on live cattle imports from Mexico in May 2025.
- Mexico accounted for about 62% of U.S. cattle imports between 2020 and 2024.
- Just four companies controlled more than 80% of the cattle-processing market since 1995.
- In November, President Trump directed the Justice Department to investigate JBS, Cargill, Tyson Foods, and National Beef for potential collusion and price fixing.
- The U.S. imported a record 4.64 billion pounds of beef in 2024, up roughly 24% from the previous year.
- U.S. beef production was 11,814 metric tons in 2025, a slight uptick from 2005.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA
- Amanda Hall and Reid Hall, cattle farmers 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
- Brooke Rollins, Agriculture Secretary
- President Trump
Sources: NPR
