The 2022 January Cattle Inventory Report was released by the National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) on January 31, 2022. Below are some insights from the report.
As of January 1, 2022, the US cattle inventory totaled 91.9 million head, 2 percent lower than the January 2021 inventory of 93.8 million head (See Figure 1). The reduction continues the downward trend in cattle inventory that started after 2019. Beef cows that have calved totaled 30.1 million, also 2 percent lower than one year ago.
Cows and heifers that have calved totaled 39.5 million, also 2 percent lower than 40.3 million in 2021.
Heifers over 500 pounds totaled 19.8 million head. Again, 2 percent lower than one year ago. Beef replacement heifers totaled 5.61 million head and were down 3 percent from 2021. These numbers are significant because cows and heifers are the driving force of replacement animals for future cattle inventory.
Calf crop in the US was estimated at 35.1 million head, down 1 percent from the previous year’s calf crop.
Figure 1.
South Carolina’s cattle inventory decrease exceeded the national average in almost every category. South Carolina’s cattle inventory totaled 310,000 head, 6 percent lower than one year ago (See Figure 1). Similar to the National trend, South Carolina cattle numbers have declined since 2019.
All cows and heifers that have calved in South Carolina came in at 167,000 head, 5 percent lower than 2021. Beef Cows that have calved totaled 158,000, also 5 percent lower than 2021.
Beef replacement heifers in South Carolina were down 9 percent from last year. Total beef cow replacements are 29,000 head, compared to 32,000 head in January 2021.
South Carolina’s calf crop as of January 1 is 140,000 head, 3 percent lower than the 2021 calf crop of 145,000 head.
Given the January Inventory Report’s information, we can expect lower cattle numbers nationwide for the near future. Historically, increased heifer retention is required before cattle inventory increases. Cattle inventory reduction will result in a smaller feeder calf supply. Many forecasts predict higher calf prices going forward. This price trend is expected to continue until cattle inventory increases, assuming demand for feeder cattle remains at current levels or increases.
Submitted by Brian Beer (CUCES Livestock and Forages), Matthew Fischer, and Bernt Nelson (CUCES Agribusiness)
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