Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
WICHITA, Kan. (AP)

Report: Fewest cattle in 4 decades

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

A new report shows the U.S. with the fewest cattle in at least four decades as a widespread drought forces ranchers to sell off animals.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service said Friday that the number of cattle and calves in the United States totaled 97.8 million head as of July 1. That's 2 percent less than a year ago.

It's also the lowest number since the agency began a July cattle count in 1973. The agency now estimates the size of the nation's herd each January and July.

Kansas State University agriculture professor Glynn Tonser says cattle numbers have been falling for several years, but that sped up last year with the drought in the Southwest. Many ranchers sold animals then, and more are selling this year amid widespread drought.