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U.S. July 1 cattle inventory down slightly

All cattle and calves in the United States as of July 1, 2008, totaled 104.3 million head, slightly below the 104.8 million on July 1, 2007 and down one percent from the 105.2 million two years ago, according to USDA-NASS.

All cows and heifers that have calved, at 42.4 million, was down slightly from both July 1, 2007 and July 1, 2006.

Beef cows, at 33.2 million, were down one percent from July 1, 2007 and one percent below two years ago.



Milk cows, at 9.25 million, were up one percent from July 1, 2007 and one percent above two years ago.

Other class estimates on July 1, 2008 and the changes from July 1, 2007, are as follows:



– All heifers 500 pounds and over, 16.5 million, down one percent.

– Beef replacement heifers, 4.6 million, down two percent.

– Milk replacement heifers, 3.9 million, unchanged.

– Other heifers, 8.0 million, unchanged.

– Steers weighing 500 pounds and over, 14.7 million, down 1 percent.

– Bulls weighing 500 pounds and over, 2.1 million, unchanged.

– Calves under 500 pounds, 28.6 million, down slightly.

– All cattle and calves on feed for slaughter, 11.7 million, down five percent.

The 2008 calf crop is expected to be 37.3 million, down slightly from 2007 and one percent below 2006. Calves born during the first half of the year are estimated at 27.1 million, down slightly from 2007 and one percent below 2006.