By Blake Jackson
The Kentucky cattle and calf inventory as of January 1, 2025, was estimated at 1.85 million head, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.
This represents a decline of 40,000 head from the previous year, marking the lowest number of cattle on hand on January 1 since 1955.
The number of cows and heifers that have calved was estimated at 910,000 head, a decrease of 40,000 from 2024.
Beef cow inventory stood at 869,000 head, down 38,000 from the prior year, while the number of milk cows was 41,000 head, a reduction of 2,000 from 2024.
Heifers weighing 500 lbs. and over were estimated at 260,000 head, an increase of 5,000 from last year’s estimate. Beef replacement heifers totaled 105,000 head, rising by 5,000 from January 2024, while dairy heifers remained unchanged at 25,000 head.
The number of other heifers stayed steady at 130,000 head. Steers weighing 500 lbs. and over numbered 210,000 head, up 5,000 from 2024. Bulls weighing 500 lbs. and over saw a 5,000 head increase, bringing the total to 60,000.
The number of calves under 500 lbs. was estimated at 410,000 head, down 15,000 from the previous year. The 2024 calf crop was estimated at 890,000 head, a decrease of 30,000 from 2023.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-imaginegolf
Categories: Kentucky, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle