
USDA's semi-annual cattle inventory report confirmed the smallest US herd in 75 years at 86.2 million head, down 317,000 from last year. Analysts said the lack of herd rebuilding suggests historically tight cattle numbers and near-record prices could persist into 2028.
A lack of herd rebuilding extends tight feeder and fed cattle supplies, keeping cattle prices high and supporting demand for feed-based finishing.
After 268 past bullish report events, Live Cattle moved a median +0.3% over 5 sessions (58% higher; middle half -0.7% to +1.4%), and +1.7% over 20.
After 227 past bullish report events, Feeder Cattle moved a median +0.4% over 5 sessions (57% higher; middle half -1.2% to +1.5%), and +1.1% over 20.
Moves of each commodity's benchmark from the last close before the event. Historical reads pool past events of the same kind; they describe what happened, not what will. Not investment advice.