By Andi Anderson
The latest USDA report reveals that Indiana's cattle inventory remained consistent at 790,000 head as of January 1, 2024, showing no significant change from the previous year. Nathanial Warenski, State Statistician of the USDA, NASS, Indiana Field Office, provided key insights into the state's cattle demographics.
- Beef Cow Numbers: Indiana saw a 1% increase in beef cow numbers, reaching 180,000 head.
- Beef Replacement Heifers: A notable 7% increase was observed, with the count reaching 32,000 head.
- Milk Cows: The state experienced a 2% increase in milk cow numbers, totaling 190,000 head.
- Heifers for Milk Cow Replacement: A 6% increase brought the count to 55,000 head.
- Calf Crop (2023): Indiana's calf crop for 2023 witnessed a 5% surge, reaching 345,000 head compared to 2022.
Nationally, the United States reported a total cattle and calves inventory of 87.2 million head as of January 1, 2024, a 2% decrease from the 88.8 million head recorded in the previous year. Beef cow numbers declined by 2%, totaling 28.2 million head, while milk cow numbers remained relatively stable at 9.36 million head.
The breakdown of cattle inventory by class for both Indiana and the United States offers a comprehensive overview of the state and national landscapes. Despite national fluctuations, Indiana's stable cattle inventory reinforces the resilience of the state's agricultural sector.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-erdinhasdemir
Categories: Indiana, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle