By Blake Jackson
As of January 1, 2025, Wisconsin’s cattle and calf inventory was estimated at 3.25 million head, marking an increase of 50,000 head from the previous year, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
This was a notable rise in overall numbers, with beef cows reaching 275,000 head, up 15,000 from 2024. However, the milk cow inventory saw a decrease of 5,000 head, standing at 1.27 million.
Heifer numbers showed a positive trend, with all heifers weighing 500 pounds or more rising by 5 percent to 680,000 head.
Specifically, beef replacement heifers increased by 18 percent to 65,000 head, while milk cow replacement heifers rose by 2 percent, totaling 510,000 head. Other heifers also saw a significant jump, up 11 percent to 105,000 head.
Steer numbers, weighing 500 pounds or more, remained steady at 360,000 head, and bulls in the same weight range stayed unchanged at 30,000 head. Calves under 500 pounds totaled 640,000, a 2 percent increase from the previous year.
The 2024 calf crop was estimated at 1.37 million head, remaining consistent with the 2023 calf crop. Additionally, cattle and calves on feed for slaughter in all Wisconsin feedlots on January 1, 2025, numbered 230,000 head, reflecting a 5 percent rise from the previous year.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle