News

Modest changes for combined U.S./Canada livestock numbers

The combined U.S. and Canadian livestock numbers are mixed.

A joint report from the USDA and Statistics Canada shows a slight year-to-year increase in the combined hog herd at 89.7 million head from the end of December 2023 to the end of December 2024, with a 1% rise in the U.S. canceling out a 1% decline in Canada.

The combined cattle inventory of 97.602 million head was 1% lower, with 1% decreases for both the U.S. and Canada.

The combined sheep inventory was up modestly at 5.856 million head, with a fractionally higher move for the U.S. against a 2% decrease in Canada.

Those changes in the combined U.S. and Canadian livestock herds are due to a combination of factors, including reproductive efficiency and producers either expanding or contracting their herds in response to demand.