Due to the government shutdown, the USDA resumed its monthly Livestock Slaughter report released on Dec. 1. Based on latest USDA monthly data, the number of dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants in October 2025 was estimated at 243,000.

Fitness for transport is a term for an animal’s ability to withstand transportation, including length of trip, weather conditions, stocking density and other factors, without compromising welfare. It is important to consider the entire trip a cow may take once it leaves the farm, not just its next stop.

The U.S. average prices received for cull cows (beef and dairy, combined) in July 2025 averaged $157 per cwt, up $15 per cwt from July 2024 setting a new all-time high for cull cow prices.

Cull cow slaughter rates increase despite a smaller dairy herd and increased demand and prices for dairy cow replacements.

High cattle prices and good feed availability, coupled with low cow inventories, set up a common conversation around feeding and breeding cull cows.

Quarterly average prices in July reach highest level on record of $3,010 per head according to estimates from the USDA.

Cull cow slaughter rates have slowed since March due to a smaller dairy herd and increased demand and prices for dairy cow replacements.