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U.S. cattle inventory up 3%

The U.S. cattle herd is showing continued signs of expansion.

As of January 1st, the total U.S. herd was 91.988 million head, up 3% on the year.

Cows and heifers that have calved were pegged at 39.646 million head, 3% higher, with beef cows 4% larger and milk cows rising slightly. Heifers weighing 500 pounds and heavier came out at 19.822 million head, 3% more than last year, including beef replacements at 6.285 million, up 3%, with 3.925 million expected to calve, 6% higher, and milk replacements at 4.824 million head, a 2% increase, with 3.117 million expected to calve, 2% higher. Other heifers were reported at 8.713 million head, 3% more.

Steers weighing 500 pounds and heavier were 16.320 million head, up 4%, and bulls 500 pounds and heavier were 2.142 million head, 2% higher. Calves weighing less than 500 pounds came out at 14.057 million head, 4% above a year ago.

The 2015 calf crop totaled 34.302 million head, 2% more than in 2014, with the first half of the year’s calf crop accounting for 72% of the annual total.