The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its Cattle report on Jan. 31. The total of all cattle and calves on Jan. 1, 2025, was estimated at 86.662 million head, about 0.5 million fewer than the previous year.

The February World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report (WASDE) showed this month’s 2024-25 U.S. corn supply and use outlook is unchanged from last month. The projected season-average farm price is raised 10 cents to $4.35 per bushel.

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced in early February that the U.S. is resuming cattle and bison imports from Mexico.

Although the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) commercial slaughter estimates for the month of December 2024 have not yet published, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has published actual slaughter under federal inspection through the end of the year.

The January World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report (WASDE) showed this month’s 2024-25 U.S. corn outlook is for lower production, feed and residual use, exports and ending stocks.

The recent discovery of New World screwworm (NWS) in cattle in the Mexican state of Chiapas has resulted in a restriction on the importation of cattle and bison originating from or transiting through Mexico, effective Nov. 22, 2024.

Earlier this year, it was expected that the number of cattle on feed would shrink year over year in the second half of 2024, based on smaller inventory levels at the beginning of the year, and that year-over-year higher calf prices would result in retention of heifers, limiting numbers in the feedlot.

The December World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report (WASDE) showed this month’s 2024-25 U.S. corn outlook is for greater corn used for ethanol, larger exports and lower ending stocks.