Columbia, S.C., July 19, 2002 All cattle and calves in the UNITED STATES as of July 1, 2002, totaled 105.2 million head, 1 percent below the 105.8 million on July 1, 2001 and 1 percent below the 106.3 million two years ago.

All cows and heifers that have calved, at 42.9 million, were slightly below the 43.0 million on July 1, 2001 and 1 percent below the 43.2 million two years ago.

Beef cows, at 33.8 million, were down slightly from July 1, 2001 and 1 percent below two years ago.

Milk cows, at 9.15 million, were up 1 percent from July 1, 2001 but were down 1 percent from two years ago.

Other class estimates on July 1, 2002 and the changes from July 1, 2001, are as follows:

All heifers 500 pounds and over, 16.2 million, down 1 percent.

Beef replacement heifers, 4.6 million, unchanged.

Milk replacement heifers, 3.7 million, up 3 percent.

Other heifers, 7.9 million, down 4 percent.

Steers weighing 500 pounds and over, 14.5 million, down 1 percent.

Bulls weighing 500 pounds and over, 2.1 million, unchanged.

Calves under 500 pounds, 29.5 million, down 1 percent.

All cattle and calves on feed for slaughter, 12.4 million, down 5 percent.

The 2002 Calf Crop is expected to be 38.4 million, up slightly from 2001 but down 1 percent from 2000. Calves born during the first half of the year are estimated at 28.0 million, down slightly from 2001 and down 1 percent from 2000.

For additional information call: Robert A. Graham, State Statistician

James S. Peele, Agricultural Statistician

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