Friday’s (1/29) USDA cattle inventory report showed declines in total cattle numbers, the beef cowherd, dairy cow numbers, replacement heifers and other key indicators. The Kansas cattle inventory followed the herd reduction trend.
The report estimated total U.S. cattle numbers on January 1, 2010, at 93.7 million head, down 1% from a year earlier. Beef cow numbers were down 336,000 head or 1% from January 1, 2009. The number of beef replacement heifers, as of January 1, stood at 5.4 million, down 2% from a year earlier. Total dairy cows numbered 9.1 million, down 3%. The U.S. calf crop fell to 35.8 million head, down 1% from 2008.
All cattle and calves in Kansas totaled 6 million, down 5% from a year earlier. The Kansas beef cow inventory was down 5%, beef replacement heifer numbers were down 6% and total dairy cow numbers were down 7%. According to Kansas Ag Statistics, the state’s 2009 calf crop, at 1.39 million head, was down 3% from 2008.
CattleFax analysts told those attending last week’s Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio they expect cattle numbers to fall again in 2010. Executive Vice President Randy Blach said despite smaller supplies, “demand remains the biggest challenge for the beef industry in 2010.” He said the bullish supply situation will only lead to higher prices if beef demand stabilizes.