– Josh Maples, Assistant Professor & Extension Economist, Department of Agricultural Economics, Mississippi State University

As covered by David Anderson last week, there were no big surprises in the recent July 1 Cattle Inventory report. The beef cow herd was estimated to be the same as a year ago while the number of heifers held back for replacements was lower than a year ago. These estimates were in line with what was expected following the January report.

There has been plenty written about the current cattle cycle topping out and this report was another piece of evidence supporting that story. The July report marked the fourth consecutive January or July report that showed less than one percent growth compared to the previous year. While still not a decline, these modest or flat growth numbers are a contrast to the rapid growth from 2015-2017.

This is a natural time to look at the Continue reading →