Since October 2022, drought conditions have improved for much of the country, to the point where less than 24% of the U.S. is under drought conditions.

The forecast for first-quarter beef production was raised 15 million pounds based on a faster expected pace of cow slaughter in the latter part of the quarter that will more than offset less bull slaughter and lower aggregate carcass weights.

There will be producers who have feed resources and believe profits are to be had in 2023 and 2024. The quickest way for these producers to increase the feeder cattle supply is through the addition of bred cows or bred heifers.

Progressive Cattle editors sit down with guests at the 2023 NCBA Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans.

As of Jan. 1, 2023, there were 29.5 replacements expected to calve for every 100 cows currently in the herd, the smallest percentage since 2001.

Two years of drought have had a major impact on hay production, according to the recently released Dec. 1 hay stocks from the USDA.

On July 22, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the midyear Cattle report. It provided a snapshot of the U.S. cattle herd, which includes both beef and dairy cattle as well as a glimpse into producers’ outlook for retaining heifers and the availability of cattle for placement in the coming year.