US Cattle Herd Falls to 86 Million as North Dakota Posts Biggest Growth
Updated
Updated · WDAY Radio · May 29
US Cattle Herd Falls to 86 Million as North Dakota Posts Biggest Growth
16 articles · Updated · WDAY Radio · May 29
USDA counted 86 million cattle nationwide, with the beef herd down 1%, the calf crop down 2% and cattle on feed down 3% from 2025.
North Dakota was a rare bright spot, posting the largest percentage increase as stronger precipitation and better grass and forage supported herd growth over the past decade.
Julie Ellingson of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association said a colder-than-normal spring, extreme heat and strong winds could still worsen the drought picture and threaten that momentum.
The report adds to a broader contraction that has pushed the U.S. cattle herd to its lowest level since 1951, with drought, higher costs and consolidation weighing on producers.
As the U.S. cattle herd hits a 75-year low, is America's steak dinner becoming an endangered luxury?
With ranchers' profits shrinking, will beef industry giants face a reckoning for their market dominance?
U.S. Beef Crisis 2026: Smallest Herd Since 1951 Fuels Soaring Prices and Rising Imports
Overview
The U.S. beef industry is facing a historic crisis, with cattle and calf herds shrinking to their lowest levels since 1951. As of January 2026, the total inventory dropped to 86.2 million head, a 0.4% decrease from the previous year, and beef cows fell by 1% to the lowest count since 1961. This ongoing decline, driven by persistent drought and high input costs, has led to record-high beef prices for consumers. The situation is made worse as ranchers, pressured by economic challenges, send more cattle to slaughter instead of rebuilding herds, making a quick recovery unlikely before 2028.