02/04/2026
U.S. CATTLE REPORT ππ Kansas and Missouri Lead Cattle Inventory Declines in 2026 ππ
Cattle inventories declined in 2026, with the largest decreases reported in Kansas and Missouri, each down 100,000 head, followed by New Mexico at -90,000 head. Arizona and Wyoming each declined 60,000 head, while Iowa was down 50,000 head. Additional reductions included Louisiana (-40,000), Illinois (-30,000), North Carolina (-30,000), and Kentucky (-20,000). Montana, New York, and Oregon also each posted 20,000-head declines. In total, 23 states reported lower cattle inventories compared to the prior year.
ππ Top 10 States With the Largest Cattle Inventory Declines (2026) ππ
π Head counts shown for 2025 β 2026
1οΈβ£ Kansas β 5,950,000 β 5,850,000 (βΌ100,000)
2οΈβ£ Missouri β 3,950,000 β 3,850,000 (βΌ100,000)
3οΈβ£ New Mexico β 1,280,000 β 1,190,000 (βΌ90,000)
4οΈβ£ Arizona β 930,000 β 870,000 (βΌ60,000)
5οΈβ£ Wyoming β 1,220,000 β 1,160,000 (βΌ60,000)
6οΈβ£ Iowa β 3,500,000 β 3,450,000 (βΌ50,000)
7οΈβ£ Louisiana β 720,000 β 680,000 (βΌ40,000)
8οΈβ£ Illinois β 1,010,000 β 980,000 (βΌ30,000)
9οΈβ£ North Carolina β 720,000 β 690,000 (βΌ30,000)
π Kentucky β 1,840,000 β 1,820,000 (βΌ20,000)
π Source: 2026 Cattle Inventory Data
U.S. CATTLE REPORT π https://www.nationalbeefwire.com/u-s-cattle-report π
π‘ Salebarns interested in broadcasting or promoting their sales with DVAuction and/or Feeder Flash β contact Rob Cook at π§ [email protected] to get started!