Washington, D.C.

Cattle 

Released January 30, 2009, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of 

Agriculture. For information on Cattle call Jason Hardegree at (202) 720-3040, office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. 

January 1 Cattle Inventory Down 2 Percent 

All cattle and calves in the United States as of January 1, 2009, totaled 94.5 million head, 2 percent 

below the 96.0 million on January 1, 2008. 

All cows and heifers that have calved, at 41.0 million, were down 2 percent from the 41.7 million on 

January 1, 2008. 

 • Beef cows, at 31.7 million, were down 2 percent from January 1, 2008. 

 • Milk cows, at 9.33 million, were up 1 percent from January 1, 2008. 

Other class estimates on January 1, 2009, and the change from January 1, 2008, are as follows: 

 • All heifers 500 pounds and over, 19.6 million, down 1 percent. 

 • Beef replacement heifers, 5.53 million, down 2 percent. 

 • Milk replacement heifers, 4.41 million, down slightly. 

 • Other heifers, 9.65 million, down 1 percent. 

 

 • Steers weighing 500 pounds and over, 16.8 million, down 2 percent. 

 • Bulls weighing 500 pounds and over, 2.18 million, down 1 percent. 

 • Calves under 500 pounds, 14.9 million, down 1 percent. 

 • Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter in all feedlots, 13.9 million, down 7 percent. 

 • The combined total of calves under 500 pounds, and other heifers and steers over 500 pounds 

outside of feedlots was 27.5 million, up 1 percent. 

 

Calf Crop Down 2 Percent 

The 2008 calf crop was estimated at 36.1 million head, down 2 percent from 2007. Calves born during 

the first half of the year are estimated at 26.3 million, down 1 percent from 2007. 
 

Cattle Agricultural Statistics Board 

January 2009 NASS, USDA 

Revisions 

All inventory and calf crop estimates for July 1, 2007, January 1, 2008, and July 1, 2008 were reviewed 

using calf crop, official slaughter, import and export data, 2007 Census of Agriculture data, and the 

relationship of new survey information to the prior surveys. Based on the findings of this review, 

adjustments were made to the previously released inventory estimates. Revisions to estimates were 

made at the U.S. and State level. Cattle on Feed estimates were also revised based on information 

provided by the 2007 Census of Agriculture. Any further revisions to prior years due to the census will 

be provided in the historical 5-year publication. 

 

Special Note 

Data from the 2007 Census of Agriculture were used in the review process for the 2009 and 2008 

estimates included in this publication. The impact of the 5-year historical revision process may cause a 

discontinuity in the data series. January 1, 2008 and prior estimates contained in this publication will be 

republished in the Cattle, Final Estimates 2004-2008 publication which is scheduled for release on 

March 5, 2009. 

This report was approved on January 30, 2009. 

Acting Secretary of 

Agriculture 

David Lazarus 

Agricultural Statistics Board 

Chairperson 

Carol C. House 
 

Cattle Agricultural Statistics Board 

January 2009 i NASS, USDA 

Contents 

Page 

U.S. Inventory by Class, January 1, ..................................................................................................... 1 

January 1, Cattle and Calves by State and United States ..................................................................... 2

Calf Crop by State and United States ................................................................................................... 6 

January 1, Total Number on Feed ........................................................................................................ 7 

Number Grazing on Small Grain Pasture ............................................................................................. 8 

 

U.S. Inventory by Class, July 1, ........................................................................................................... 8 

 

U.S. Calf Crop, Number and Percent of Total ..................................................................................... 8 

Reliability Statement ............................................................................................................................ 9 

Information Contacts .......................................................................................................................... 10 

 

 
 

Cattle Agricultural Statistics Board 

January 2009 1 NASS, USDA 

Cattle and Calves: Number by Class and Calf Crop, 

United States, January 1, 2008-2009 1

Class 2008 2009 2009 as 

% of 2008 

1,000 Head 1,000 Head Percent 

Cattle and Calves 

Cows and Heifers That Have Calved 

 Beef Cows 

 Milk Cows 

Heifers 500 Pounds and Over 

 For Beef Cow Replacement 

 Expected to Calve 2

 For Milk Cow Replacement 

 Expected to Calve 2

 Other Heifers 

Steers 500 Pounds and Over 

Bulls 500 Pounds and Over 

Calves Under 500 Pounds 

Cattle on Feed 

96,035 

41,692 

32,435 

9,257 

19,854 

5,647 

3,414 

4,415 

2,923 

9,793 

17,163 

2,207 

15,118 

14,827 

94,491 

41,005 

31,671 

9,333 

19,586 

5,526 

3,357 

4,410 

2,909 

9,650 

16,774 

2,184 

14,943 

13,851 

98 

98 

98 

101 

99 

98 

98 

100 

100 

99 

98 

99 

99 

93 

 2007 2008 2008 as 

% of 2007 

Calf Crop 36,759 36,113 98

1

 Totals may not add due to rounding. 

2

 Replacement heifers expected to calve during the year. 

U.S. Cattle Inventory

January 1

95.8

109.6

103.5

94.9 97.0

90

95

100

105

110

115

120

1985 1991 1997 2003 2009

Million Head
 

Cattle Agricultural Statistics Board 

January 2009 2 NASS, USDA 

Cattle and Calves: Number by Class, State, and United States, 

January 1, 2008-2009 

All Cattle and Calves All Cows That Have Calved 

State 

2008 2009 2009 as 

% of 2008 2008 2009 2009 as 

% of 2008 

1,000 Head 1,000 Head Percent 1,000 Head 1,000 Head Percent 

AL 

AK 

AZ 

AR 

CA 

CO 

CT 

DE 

FL 

GA 

HI 

ID 

IL 

IN 

IA 

KS 

KY 

LA 

ME 

MD 

MA 

MI 

MN 

MS 

MO 

MT 

NE 

NV 

NH 

NJ 

NM 

NY 

NC 

ND 

OH 

OK 

OR 

PA 

RI 

SC 

SD 

TN 

TX 

UT 

VT 

VA 

WA 

WV 

WI 

WY 

US 

1,220 

15.5 

1,000 

1,810 

5,450 

2,750 

50 

22 

1,710 

1,130 

152 

2,210 

1,230 

890 

4,000 

6,650 

2,400 

890 

89 

195 

46 

1,070 

2,400 

940 

4,250 

2,600 

6,450 

450 

37 

38 

1,530 

1,440 

830 

1,810 

1,250 

5,400 

1,370 

1,610 

5.0 

395 

3,700 

2,100 

13,600 

850 

265 

1,570 

1,090 

415 

3,350 

1,310 

96,034.5 

1,260 

14.0 

1,020 

1,800 

5,250 

2,600 

52 

21 

1,700 

1,110 

150 

2,110 

1,200 

860 

3,950 

6,300 

2,300 

890 

89 

185 

43 

1,070 

2,400 

960 

4,250 

2,600 

6,350 

450 

39 

38 

1,540 

1,380 

850 

1,750 

1,280 

5,400 

1,240 

1,590 

5.0 

380 

3,700 

1,980 

13,600 

810 

270 

1,460 

1,080 

415 

3,350 

1,350 

94,491.0 

103 

90 

102 

99 

96 

95 

104 

95 

99 

98 

99 

95 

98 

97 

99 

95 

96 

100 

100 

95 

93 

100 

100 

102 

100 

100 

98 

100 

105 

100 

101 

96 

102 

97 

102 

100 

91 

99 

100 

96 

100 

94 

100 

95 

102 

93 

99 

100 

100 

103 

98

680 

6.5 

380 

960 

2,490 

850 

25 

10.5 

1,060 

630 

85 

990 

530 

400 

1,180 

1,620 

1,250 

540 

45 

100 

23 

450 

860 

520 

2,180 

1,520 

1,940 

265 

20 

19.0 

850 

730 

420 

950 

570 

2,120 

710 

710 

2.5 

210 

1,730 

1,140 

5,550 

450 

150 

790 

515 

215 

1,520 

730 

41,691.5 

680 

6.1 

390 

905 

2,460 

850 

25 

10.5 

1,060 

610 

86 

1,005 

510 

380 

1,140 

1,630 

1,200 

545 

44 

95 

22 

445 

860 

510 

2,100 

1,510 

1,910 

265 

21 

19.5 

820 

710 

430 

910 

580 

2,100 

650 

700 

2.5 

205 

1,710 

1,010 

5,600 

435 

148 

730 

515 

215 

1,520 

720 

41,004.6 

100 

94 

103 

94 

99 

100 

100 

100 

100 

97 

101 

102 

96 

95 

97 

101 

96 

101 

98 

95 

96 

99 

100 

98 

96 

99 

98 

100 

105 

103 

96 

97 

102 

96 

102 

99 

92 

99 

100 

98 

99 

89 

101 

97 

99 

92 

100 

100 

100 

99 

98

 --continued
 

Cattle Agricultural Statistics Board 

January 2009 3 NASS, USDA 

Cattle and Calves: Number by Class, State, and United States, 

January 1, 2008-2009 (continued) 

Beef Cows That Have Calved Milk Cows That Have Calved 

State 

2008 2009 2009 as 

% of 2008 2008 2009 2009 as 

% of 2008 

1,000 Head 1,000 Head Percent 1,000 Head 1,000 Head Percent 

AL 

AK 

AZ 

AR 

CA 

CO 

CT 

DE 

FL 

GA 

HI 

ID 

IL 

IN 

IA 

KS 

KY 

LA 

ME 

MD 

MA 

MI 

MN 

MS 

MO 

MT 

NE 

NV 

NH 

NJ 

NM 

NY 

NC 

ND 

OH 

OK 

OR 

PA 

RI 

SC 

SD 

TN 

TX 

UT 

VT 

VA 

WA 

WV 

WI 

WY 

US 

667 

5.9 

195 

943 

655 

724 

5.5 

4.0 

940 

553 

82.7 

460 

427 

234 

965 

1,505 

1,159 

513 

12.0 

43 

8.0 

106 

397 

499 

2,070 

1,503 

1,883 

238 

5.0 

9.0 

520 

104 

372 

924 

296 

2,053 

595 

158 

1.4 

192 

1,644 

1,079 

5,150 

365 

10.0 

692 

272 

203 

270 

723 

32,434.5 

668 

5.5 

200 

891 

615 

720 

6.0 

4.0 

942 

536 

84.4 

451 

408 

213 

925 

1,508 

1,114 

520 

11.0 

39 

7.5 

92 

392 

491 

1,992 

1,494 

1,851 

238 

6.0 

9.5 

484 

85 

385 

885 

304 

2,038 

535 

150 

1.4 

188 

1,616 

951 

5,170 

350 

9.0 

633 

271 

204 

265 

713 

31,671.3 

100 

93 

103 

94 

94 

99 

109 

100 

100 

97 

102 

98 

96 

91 

96 

100 

96 

101 

92 

91 

94 

87 

99 

98 

96 

99 

98 

100 

120 

106 

93 

82 

103 

96 

103 

99 

90 

95 

100 

98 

98 

88 

100 

96 

90 

91 

100 

100 

98 

99 

98

13.0 

0.6 

185 

17.0 

1,835 

126 

19.5 

6.5 

120 

77 

2.3 

530 

103 

166 

215 

115 

91 

27 

33 

57 

15.0 

344 

463 

21.0 

110 

17.0 

57 

27 

15.0 

10.0 

330 

626 

48 

26 

274 

67 

115 

552 

1.1 

18.0 

86 

61 

400 

85 

140 

98 

243 

12.0 

1,250 

7.0 

9,257.0 

12.0 

0.6 

190 

14.0 

1,845 

130 

19.0 

6.5 

118 

74 

1.6 

554 

102 

167 

215 

122 

86 

25 

33 

56 

14.5 

353 

468 

19.0 

108 

16.0 

59 

27 

15.0 

10.0 

336 

625 

45 

25 

276 

62 

115 

550 

1.1 

17.0 

94 

59 

430 

85 

139 

97 

244 

11.0 

1,255 

7.0 

9,333.3 

92 

100 

103 

82 

101 

103 

97 

100 

98 

96 

70 

105 

99 

101 

100 

106 

95 

93 

100 

98 

97 

103 

101 

90 

98 

94 

104 

100 

100 

100 

102 

100 

94 

96 

101 

93 

100 

100 

100 

94 

109 

97 

108 

100 

99 

99 

100 

92 

100 

100 

101

 --continued
 

Cattle Agricultural Statistics Board 

January 2009 4 NASS, USDA 

Cattle and Calves: Number by Class, State, and United States, 

January 1, 2008-2009 (continued) 

Heifers 500 Pounds and Over 

State Beef Cow Replacement Milk Cow Replacement Other 

2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 

1,000 Head 1,000 Head 1,000 Head 1,000 Head 1,000 Head 1,000 Head 

AL 

AK 

AZ 

AR 

CA 

CO 

CT 

DE 

FL 

GA 

HI 

ID 

IL 

IN 

IA 

KS 

KY 

LA 

ME 

MD 

MA 

MI 

MN 

MS 

MO 

MT 

NE 

NV 

NH 

NJ 

NM 

NY 

NC 

ND 

OH 

OK 

OR 

PA 

RI 

SC 

SD 

TN 

TX 

UT 

VT 

VA 

WA 

WV 

WI 

WY 

US 

90 

1.7 

30 

150 

110 

130 

1.5 

0.9 

135 

75 

14.0 

95 

62 

40 

150 

255 

185 

90 

3.5 

9.0 

2.0 

31 

100 

83 

300 

440 

300 

34 

2.0 

2.0 

90 

34 

69 

165 

60 

410 

115 

40 

0.5 

36 

290 

155 

750 

70 

3.5 

122 

59 

41 

65 

150 

5,646.6 

95 

1.6 

35 

165 

110 

120 

2.0 

0.6 

140 

73 

13.0 

90 

49 

36 

140 

255 

160 

87 

4.0 

8.0 

2.0 

27 

95 

83 

320 

385 

320 

35 

1.5 

2.5 

80 

28 

69 

180 

70 

390 

90 

40 

0.5 

32 

285 

150 

790 

55 

3.5 

100 

55 

38 

65 

150 

5,526.2 

5.0 

0.2 

50 

7.0 

800 

70 

10.5 

2.7 

35 

22 

1.0 

305 

57 

77 

110 

70 

45 

8.0 

17.5 

24 

8.0 

137 

270 

7.0 

60 

12.0 

20 

10.0 

6.5 

5.0 

120 

345 

23 

15.0 

110 

30 

65 

275 

0.6 

7.0 

35 

45 

180 

40 

58 

45 

105 

4.0 

655 

5.0 

4,415.0

5.0 

0.2 

50 

5.0 

780 

60 

11.0 

2.3 

35 

23 

1.0 

275 

59 

66 

130 

65 

50 

7.0 

18.0 

26 

7.0 

148 

285 

7.0 

40 

10.0 

20 

10.0 

7.5 

5.0 

140 

320 

20 

20.0 

115 

30 

55 

270 

0.5 

7.0 

40 

45 

220 

45 

61 

45 

110 

3.0 

650 

5.0 

4,409.5 

30 

0.1 

15.0 

78 

180 

590 

0.5 

0.4 

30 

33 

5.0 

195 

121 

55 

700 

1,620 

110 

20.0 

2.0 

5.0 

1.0 

45 

175 

30 

250 

178 

1,470 

28 

1.0 

2.0 

90 

56 

26 

230 

70 

530 

110 

60 

0.1 

12.0 

550 

70 

1,590 

60 

3.5 

58 

106 

21 

60 

120 

9,792.6 

40 

0.1 

20.0 

100 

175 

530 

0.5 

0.6 

25 

31 

5.0 

195 

117 

55 

600 

1,520 

110 

17.0 

2.0 

7.0 

1.0 

50 

165 

36 

270 

225 

1,450 

29 

1.0 

2.0 

100 

42 

30 

215 

75 

580 

110 

60 

0.1 

11.0 

580 

75 

1,550 

50 

4.5 

55 

95 

28 

55 

155 

9,649.8

 --continued
 

Cattle Agricultural Statistics Board 

January 2009 5 NASS, USDA 

Cattle and Calves: Number by Class, State, and United States, 

January 1, 2008-2009 (continued) 

Steers 

500 Pounds and Over 

Bulls 

500 Pounds and Over 

Calves 

State Under 500 Pounds 

2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 

1,000 Head 1,000 Head 1,000 Head 1,000 Head 1,000 Head 1,000 Head 

AL 

AK 

AZ 

AR 

CA 

CO 

CT 

DE 

FL 

GA 

HI 

ID 

IL 

IN 

IA 

KS 

KY 

LA 

ME 

MD 

MA 

MI 

MN 

MS 

MO 

MT 

NE 

NV 

NH 

NJ 

NM 

NY 

NC 

ND 

OH 

OK 

OR 

PA 

RI 

SC 

SD 

TN 

TX 

UT 

VT 

VA 

WA 

WV 

WI 

WY 

US 

45 

1.1 

375 

145 

630 

890 

1.8 

4.0 

20 

46 

8.0 

300 

235 

105 

1,300 

2,270 

240 

23 

3.0 

16.0 

2.0 

195 

445 

46 

440 

250 

2,370 

37 

1.0 

3.0 

160 

43 

33 

255 

170 

1,110 

165 

160 

0.3 

11.0 

690 

120 

2,850 

105 

5.0 

150 

140 

39 

360 

150 

17,163.2 

55 

0.8 

370 

145 

600 

770 

2.4 

3.0 

20 

48 

8.0 

260 

230 

104 

1,390 

2,020 

215 

24 

3.5 

15.0 

2.0 

185 

440 

55 

510 

265 

2,270 

36 

1.0 

2.0 

170 

35 

30 

260 

190 

1,160 

145 

160 

0.4 

15.0 

685 

137 

2,780 

105 

3.0 

140 

143 

41 

360 

165 

16,774.1 

45 

2.0 

20 

55 

70 

50 

0.7 

0.3 

60 

34 

5.0 

35 

25 

19.0 

70 

95 

80 

34 

1.5 

4.0 

1.0 

16.0 

40 

39 

110 

110 

90 

13.0 

0.5 

1.0 

40 

17.0 

29 

55 

30 

140 

40 

25 

0.2 

18.0 

80 

70 

360 

25 

3.0 

40 

24 

15.0 

30 

40 

2,207.2

45 

1.9 

20 

60 

65 

50 

0.6 

0.4 

60 

35 

5.0 

35 

25 

16.0 

70 

95 

75 

34 

1.5 

4.0 

1.0 

15.0 

40 

39 

110 

90 

95 

13.0 

0.5 

1.0 

30 

15.0 

31 

60 

30 

140 

35 

25 

0.2 

17.0 

85 

73 

370 

20 

3.0 

40 

22 

15.0 

30 

40 

2,184.1 

325 

3.9 

130 

415 

1,170 

170 

10.0 

3.2 

370 

290 

34 

290 

200 

194 

490 

720 

490 

175 

16.5 

37 

9.0 

196 

510 

215 

910 

90 

260 

63 

6.0 

6.0 

180 

215 

230 

140 

240 

1,060 

165 

340 

0.8 

101 

325 

500 

2,320 

100 

42 

365 

141 

80 

660 

115 

15,118.4 

340 

3.3 

135 

420 

1,060 

220 

10.5 

3.6 

360 

290 

32 

250 

210 

203 

480 

715 

490 

176 

16.0 

30 

8.0 

200 

515 

230 

900 

115 

285 

62 

6.5 

6.0 

200 

230 

240 

105 

220 

1,000 

155 

335 

0.8 

93 

315 

490 

2,290 

100 

47 

350 

140 

75 

670 

115 

14,942.7
 

Cattle Agricultural Statistics Board 

January 2009 6 NASS, USDA 

Calf Crop: Number by State and United States, 2007-2008 

State 2007 2008 2008 as 

% of 2007 

1,000 Head 1,000 Head Percent 

AL 

AK 

AZ 

AR 

CA 

CO 

CT 

DE 

FL 

GA 

HI 

ID 

IL 

IN 

IA 

KS 

KY 

LA 

ME 

MD 

MA 

MI 

MN 

MS 

MO 

MT 

NE 

NV 

NH 

NJ 

NM 

NY 

NC 

ND 

OH 

OK 

OR 

PA 

RI 

SC 

SD 

TN 

TX 

UT 

VT 

VA 

WA 

WV 

WI 

WY 

US 

590 

3.9 

290 

820 

2,010 

790 

19.0 

8.5 

900 

530 

65 

940 

490 

355 

1,060 

1,470 

1,110 

425 

36 

79 

20.0 

375 

840 

430 

1,980 

1,470 

1,760 

205 

16.0 

14.0 

580 

480 

380 

930 

470 

1,940 

660 

620 

2.3 

175 

1,650 

1,040 

4,800 

390 

120 

720 

450 

200 

1,360 

690 

36,758.7

580 

3.6 

300 

770 

2,010 

780 

20.0 

8.5 

880 

500 

65 

960 

470 

315 

1,070 

1,430 

1,070 

420 

36 

72 

19.0 

375 

840 

390 

1,930 

1,490 

1,730 

210 

14.0 

14.0 

590 

500 

390 

920 

460 

1,880 

610 

610 

2.4 

165 

1,650 

950 

4,800 

360 

123 

670 

430 

200 

1,350 

680 

36,112.5 

98 

92 

103 

94 

100 

99 

105 

100 

98 

94 

100 

102 

96 

89 

101 

97 

96 

99 

100 

91 

95 

100 

100 

91 

97 

101 

98 

102 

88 

100 

102 

104 

103 

99 

98 

97 

92 

98 

104 

94 

100 

91 

100 

92 

103 

93 

96 

100 

99 

99 

98
 

Cattle Agricultural Statistics Board 

January 2009 7 NASS, USDA 

Cattle and Calves: Total Number on Feed by State 

and United States, January 1, 2008-2009 1

State 2008 2009 2009 as 

% of 2008 

1,000 Head 1,000 Head Percent 

AZ 

AR 

CA 

CO 

ID 

IL 

IN 

IA 

KS 

KY 

MD 

MI 

MN 

MO 

MT 

NE 

NV 

NM 

NY 

NC 

ND 

OH 

OK 

OR 

PA 

SD 

TN 

TX 

UT 

VA 

WA 

WV 

WI 

WY 

Oth Sts 2

US 

368 

3.0 

560 

1,140 

245 

170 

110 

1,350 

2,630 

15.0 

9.0 

170 

325 

65 

40 

2,700 

7.0 

160 

30 

3.0 

70 

190 

355 

80 

75 

400 

4.0 

2,980 

35 

30 

165 

5.0 

250 

70 

17.7 

14,826.7

358 

2.0 

490 

1,020 

230 

180 

120 

1,300 

2,370 

10.0 

12.0 

165 

280 

60 

45 

2,500 

6.0 

165 

29 

2.0 

70 

195 

350 

75 

75 

390 

4.0 

2,800 

25 

29 

160 

9.0 

240 

70 

14.7 

13,850.7 

97 

67 

88 

89 

94 

106 

109 

96 

90 

67 

133 

97 

86 

92 

113 

93 

86 

103 

97 

67 

100 

103 

99 

94 

100 

98 

100 

94 

71 

97 

97 

180 

96 

100 

83 

93

1

 Cattle and calves on feed are animals for slaughter market being fed a ration of grain or other concentrates and are 

expected to produce a carcass that will grade select or better. Cattle and calves on feed are included in the cattle inventory

estimates by classes. 

2

 Other States include AL, AK, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, LA, ME, MA, MS, NH, NJ, RI, SC, and VT. 
 

Cattle Agricultural Statistics Board 

January 2009 8 NASS, USDA 

Cattle and Calves: Number Grazing on Small Grain Pasture, 

3-State Total, January 1, 2008-2009 

Class 2008 2009 2009 as 

% of 2008 

Million Head Million Head Percent 

Calves, Other Heifers and Steers 1.75 1.65 94 

Cattle and Calves: Number by Class and Calf Crop 

United States, July 1, 2007-2008 1

Class 2007 2008 2008 as 

% of 2007 

1,000 Head 1,000 Head Percent 

Cattle and Calves 

Cows and Heifers That Have Calved 

 Beef Cows 

 Milk Cows 

Heifers 500 Pounds and Over 

 For Beef Cow Replacement 

 For Milk Cow Replacement 

 Other Heifers 

Steers 500 Pounds and Over 

Bulls 500 Pounds and Over 

Calves Under 500 Pounds 

Calf Crop 

Cattle on Feed 

104,300 

42,300 

33,150 

9,150 

16,500 

4,700 

3,900 

7,900 

14,900 

2,100 

28,500 

36,759 

12,700 

103,300 

42,000 

32,750 

9,250 

16,300 

4,600 

3,900 

7,800 

14,700 

2,100 

28,200 

36,113 

12,200 

99 

99 

99 

101 

99 

98 

100 

99 

99 

100 

99 

98 

96

1

 Revised. 

Calf Crop: Number and Percent of Total by Six Month Period, 

United States, 2007-2008 1

2007 2008 

Period 

Number % of 

Total Number % of Total 

1,000 Head Percent 1,000 Head Percent 

Jan 1 - Jun 30 

Jul 1 - Dec 31 

Total 

26,700.0 

10,058.7 

36,758.7

72.6 

27.4 

100.0

26,300.0 

9,812.5 

36,112.5 

72.8 

27.2 

100.0

1

 Revised. 
 

Cattle Agricultural Statistics Board 

January 2009 9 NASS, USDA 

Reliability of January 1 Cattle and Calves Estimates 

Survey Procedures: A random sample of U.S. producers was surveyed to provide data for these 

estimates. Survey procedures ensured that all cattle producers, regardless of size, had a chance to be 

included in the survey. Large producers were sampled more heavily than small operations. Data were 

collected from about 50,000 operators during the first half of January by mail, telephone, and face-toface personal interviews and 82 percent of the reports were usable. Regardless of when operators 

responded, they were asked to report inventories as of January 1. 

Estimating Procedures: These cattle estimates were prepared by the Agricultural Statistics Board after 

reviewing recommendations and analysis submitted by each State office. National and State survey 

data were reviewed for reasonableness with each other and with estimates from the previous year using 

a balance sheet. The balance sheet begins with the previous inventory estimate, adds to it estimates of 

births and imports, and subtracts estimates of slaughter, exports, and deaths. This indicated ending 

inventory level is compared to the Agricultural Statistics Board estimate for reasonableness. 

Revision Policy: Revisions to previous estimates are made to improve year to year and item to item 

relationships. Estimates for the previous year are subject to revision when current estimates are made. 

The reviews are primarily based on livestock slaughter and additional foreign trade and survey data. 

Estimates will also be reviewed after data from the five-year Census of Agriculture are available. No 

revisions will be made after that date. 

Reliability: Since all cattle operators are not included in the sample, survey estimates are subject to 

sampling variability. Survey results are also subject to non-sampling errors such as omissions, 

duplications, and mistakes in reporting, recording, and processing the data. The effects of these errors 

cannot be measured directly. They are minimized through rigid quality controls in the data collection 

process and through a careful review of all reported data for consistency and reasonableness. 

To assist users in evaluating the reliability of estimates in this report, the "Root Mean Square Error" is 

shown for selected items in the following table. The "Root Mean Square Error" is a statistical measure 

based on past performance and is computed using the differences between first and latest estimates. 

The "Root Mean Square Error" for cattle inventory estimates over the past 10 years is 0.3 percent. This 

means that chances are 2 out of 3 that the final estimate will not be above or below the current estimate 

of 94.5 million head by more than 0.3 percent. Chances are 9 out of 10 that the difference will not 

exceed 0.6 percent. 
 

Cattle Agricultural Statistics Board 

January 2009 10 NASS, USDA 

The following table also shows a 10 year record of the range of differences between first and latest 

estimates for selected items. Using estimates of all cattle and calves as an example, changes between 

the first inventory estimate and the latest estimate during the past 10 years have averaged 223,000 head, 

ranging from 0 to 634,000 head. During this period the initial inventory estimate has been below the 

final estimate 5 times, and above the final estimate 4 times. This does not imply that the January 1 

estimate is likely to understate or overstate final inventory. 

Reliability of January 1 Cattle Estimates 1

90 Percent 

Confidence 

Level 

Difference Between 

First and Latest 

Estimates 

Number of 

Years 

Item 

Root 

Mean 

Square 

Error Percent Head Average Smallest Largest 

First 

Above 

Latest 

First 

Below 

Latest 

Percent Percent 1,000 Head 1,000 Head 1,000 Head 1,000 Head Number Number 

All Cattle 

All Cows 

Calf Crop 

0.3 

0.3 

0.6 

0.6 

0.6 

1.1 

567 

246 

397 

223 

86 

135 

0 

0 

0 

634.1 

263 

602 

5 

4 

4 

4 

4 

5 

1

 Based on data from January 1999 through January 2008. 

Information Contacts 

Listed below are the commodity specialists in the Livestock Branch of the National Agricultural 

Statistics Service to contact for additional information. 

Dan Kerestes, Chief, Livestock Branch ........................................................................ (202) 720-3570 

Livestock Section 

Scott Hollis, Head, Livestock Section ........................................................................... (202) 690-2424 

 Jim Collom - Dairy Products ............................................................................ (202) 690-3236 

 Joe Gaynor - Dairy Products Prices .................................................................. (202) 690-2168 

 Jason Hardegree - Cattle, Cattle on Feed .......................................................... (202) 720-3040 

 Sherry Bertramsen - Livestock Slaughter ......................................................... (515) 284-4340 

 Everett Olbert - Sheep and Goats ..................................................................... (202) 720-4751 

 Mike Miller - Milk Production and Milk Cows ................................................ (202) 720-3278 

 Nick Streff - Hogs and Pigs .............................................................................. (202) 720-3106 
 

 

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