The number of cattle in the U.S. decreases, which slows down the recovery of the cattle herd.

As of January 1, 2026, the United States had 86.2 million cattle and calves on farms and ranches, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. This figure is slightly lower than that of January 1, 2025, continuing the contraction that the industry has experienced over several years. The report includes several figures that producers closely follow for clues about supply, replacement intentions, and what the next 12 to 24 months might look like for feedlot and beef enterprises and producers: Total cattle and calves: 86.2 million head (January 1, 2026)All cows and heifers that have calved: 37.2 million headBeef cattle: 27.6 million head (a 1% decrease year-over-year)Dairy cattle: 9.57 million head (more than last year)Calf crop of 2025: 32.9 million head (less than the previous year)Cattle on feed: 13.8 million head (less than in 2025) With these figures, the current census is the smallest since 1951. This year's report includes a modest increase in replacement ...