Two reports released by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Friday (24) indicates expansion of the US cattle herd in the first half of 2026, although some indicators of replacement and movement of animals point to a slowdown. According to Semiannual Livestock Inventory ReportThe total cattle herd in the United States stood at 94.2 million head on July 1st, slightly above the figure recorded during the same period last year. Monthly Report on Cattle in Feedlots The survey showed that the number of confined animals reached 11.37 million head on the same date, a 2.2% increase compared to July 2025. The survey also indicated an increase in the number of heifers weighing more than 227 kilograms (500 pounds), signaling greater availability of animals for herd replenishment. On the other hand, calf production decreased by 1.5% year-on-year, totaling 13.2 million head. In the feedlot segment, the USDA There was a reduction in the number of animals entering the system. Placements in feedlots totaled 1.4 million head in July, a 2.9% decrease compared to the same month of the previous year. The number of animals leaving feedlots also decreased. The volume traded reached 1.66 million head, a 2.7% decrease year-on-year.
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.