In January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey more than 40,000 cattle operations nationwide to provide an up-to-date measure of U.S. cattle inventories. 

“This information helps producers make timely, informed business decisions such as planning for herd expansion or reduction. It also helps packers and government leaders evaluate expected slaughter volume for future months and determine potential supplies for export,” said Bill Meyer, Director, Mountain Regional Field Office. “Obtaining the current count of cattle will serve as an important decision-making tool for the entire agricultural industry.” 

During the first two weeks of January, producers will have the opportunity to report their beef and dairy cattle inventories, calf crop, death loss, and cattle on feed operations. To make it as easy as possible for producers to participate in the survey, NASS offers the options of responding via the internet, telephone, or mail. 

NASS safeguards the privacy of all responses and publishes only state- and national-level data in aggregate, ensuring that no individual producer or operation can be identified. 

The January Cattle report will be released January 31, 2022.