The U.S. cattle herd remains at its lowest level in decades, keeping pressure on beef prices as supply stays tight. According to USDA data, the herd was largely unchanged at the start of the year, showing little relief from the ongoing shortage. Ranchers have slowed liquidation, but many are still not rebuilding herds in a meaningful way, in part because of drought concerns, high production costs, and the long timeline required to expand.
Why This Matters:
When herd sizes stay low, the effects can continue showing up in both the cost and availability of beef. It is another reminder that weather, production challenges, and long-term supply issues can keep pressure on food prices for longer than many expect.
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Source: Farm Progress
By: Ilena Peng
