Herd Shrinks Again,  With Drought as a Factor

Herd Shrinks Again, With Drought as a Factor

Author: The Cattle Business Weekly newspaper February 3, 2026 Duration: 5:34
The U.S. beef herd again contracted over the past year, according to the USDA Cattle Inventory report released last week, extending the cattle cycle into its thirteenth year. High prices continue to incentivize producers to sell calves rather than retain them for herd rebuilding. All cattle and calves totaled 86.2 million head in January 2026, down 320,000 head or 0.4% from 86.5 million in 2025, in line with analysts’ estimates. This is, for another year, the smallest cattle herd since 1951. ...

Tune in to The Cattle Business Weekly for a direct line to the news that matters most to ranchers and producers. This isn't just a summary; it's the same reporting from the news desk of The Cattle Business Weekly newspaper in South Dakota, delivered in audio form so you can stay informed while you work. Each episode digs into the headlines that move markets, the on-the-ground realities of ranch life, and the policy shifts from Washington, D.C., that ultimately shape your operation's profitability. Think of it as your essential briefing on all the factors-economic, environmental, and political-that touch the bottom line. Made for cattlemen by those who understand the business, this podcast fits right into your rhythm, whether you're in the tractor, driving to a sale, or winding down at the end of the day. You'll get straight talk and timely insights, ensuring you're never behind on the information that drives your decisions. We keep it focused, relevant, and grounded in the real-world challenges and opportunities of the cattle industry.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 61

The Cattle Business Weekly
Podcast Episodes
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Farmers Union Celebrates Farm - Ranch Moms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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With Thousands of Cattle Bred... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:48
Thousands of miles. Thousands of cattle. Thousands of handshakes and smiles. As Anita Pepin of rural Belle Fourche, South Dakota, looks back on her career as an ABS rep and AI technician, she can’t quite put a guess on t…
Common Ground Coalition Gathers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:34
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Schuler Red Angus Receives Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:45
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Eagle Rock Ranch to Receive Colorado Leopold Conservation Award [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:33
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Duration: 3:55
Follow these key strategies to ensure optimal performance “Significant investments are being made in bulls, and the prospects for income from current and upcoming calf crops appear favorable,” says Patrick Davis, Univers…
Should You Delay Turnout in 2026? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:12
Kaylee Wheeler SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist As the grazing season is inching closer, dry soil conditions across the region have become very apparent. Lack of dormant precipitation (Figure 2) and dry spring soil…
Mexican Border Basics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:19
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