U.S. Cow Herd Continues to Slowly Shrink

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.

• Mar 18, 2021Cattle Markets Looking for Spring - Northern Ag Network+0.1%
• May 25, 2022Cattle Supply and Demand Issues for the 2022 Marketing Year - Northern Ag Network-1.3%
• Oct 26, 2021New Cattle Feedlot Report Points to Shrinking Beef Cattle Herd - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST+2.3%
• Aug 6, 2026Beef prices surge as herd shrinks to 1951 low-0.3%
• Jul 25, 2025USDA reports show continued shrinking of U.S. cattle herd as soaring prices continue - Agweek | #1 source for agriculture news, farming, markets+0.8%

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.

• May 25, 2022Cattle Supply and Demand Issues for the 2022 Marketing Year - Northern Ag Network+9.9%
• Oct 26, 2021New Cattle Feedlot Report Points to Shrinking Beef Cattle Herd - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST-0.8%
• Jul 25, 2025USDA reports show continued shrinking of U.S. cattle herd as soaring prices continue - Agweek | #1 source for agriculture news, farming, markets+0.8%
• Oct 24, 2022Live cattle futures jump to 7-year peak as U.S. herd shrinks | Reuters+1.5%
• Jan 31, 2023U.S. beef cow herd falls to lowest level since 1962, USDA says+2.1%