July 20, 2007

July 1 U.S. Cattle Inventory Down Slightly

All cattle and calves in the United States as of July 1, 2007, totaled 104.8 million head, slightly below the 105.2 million on July 1, 2006 but 1 percent above the 104.2 million two years ago, according to Nancy Hussey with The Wyoming Field Office of USDA NASS. Estimates for Wyoming are not made at this time but, as previously reported, January 1, 2007 cattle inventory in Wyoming totaled 1.43 million head, unchanged from the previous year, but up 6 percent from 2 years ago.

For the U.S., all cows and heifers that have calved, at 42.5 million, were down slightly from the 42.6 million on July 1, 2006 but unchanged from two years ago. Beef cows, at 33.4 million, were down slightly from July 1, 2006 and July 1, 2005. Milk cows, at 9.15 million, were unchanged from July 1, 2006 but up 1 percent from two years ago.

Other U.S. class estimates on July 1, 2007, and the changes from July 1, 2006, are as follows:

* All heifers 500 pounds and over, 16.6 million, unchanged.

* Beef replacement heifers, 4.7 million, down 6 percent.

*  Milk replacement heifers, 3.9 million, up 3 percent.

* Other heifers, 8.0 million, up 3 percent.

* Steers weighing 500 pounds and over, 14.9 million, down 1 percent.

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

* Calves under 500 pounds, 28.7 million, down 1 percent.

* All cattle and calves on feed for slaughter, 12.3 million, down 2 percent.

Calf Crop Down slightly

The 2007 U.S. calf crop is expected to be 37.4 million, down slightly from 2006 and 2005. Calves born during the first half of the year are estimated at 27.2 million, down 1 percent from 2006 and 2005.