U.S. cattle herd hits 75-year low, beef prices rise
10 reported
The U.S. cattle herd has reached its smallest size in 75 years, with 86.2 million head on January 1, according to USDA data. Factors include rising costs, drought, international competition, and industry consolidation. Record-high cattle prices have prompted producers to sell livestock rather than rebuild herds. Despite the smaller herd, U.S. beef production has remained stable because cattle are larger than in past decades. A parasitic fly, the New World screwworm, detected near the U.S.-Mexico border, led to a ban on live cattle imports from Mexico, which accounted for about 62% of U.S. cattle imports from 2020 to 2024. The Trump administration has directed an investigation into the top four meatpacking companies for potential collusion and price fixing, and has increased beef imports from Argentina to address surging prices.
What’s reported
The U.S. cattle herd was 86.2 million head on January 1, the lowest since 1951.
Factors include rising costs, drought, international competition, and consolidation.
Record-high cattle prices have led producers to sell livestock rather than rebuild.
U.S. beef production remained stable because cattle are larger; a steer that weighed 1,000 pounds in the 1950s may now weigh 1,500 pounds.
The New World screwworm, detected in Mexico less than 70 miles from the U.S. border, led to 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.
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, a 24% increase over the previous year.
The USDA reported 882,692 cattle operations in 2017 and 732,123 five years later, a 17% decline.
The median U.S. farmer is 58 years old, according to a 2023 Senate report.
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
Brooke Rollins, Agriculture Secretary
President Trump
Sources: NPR
