Despite the challenges of drought and the rise in cull-cow slaughter, American cattle producers are attempting to increase their herd size.
James Mintert of Kansas State University said the year-over-year increase in cow slaughter still has a way to go to overcome heifer retention.
The agricultural economist said the number of beef cows slaughtered in 2006 is up 17 percent over 2005.
By the end of September, total U.S. cattle slaughter was up 4.1 percent over the year previous, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. However, much of that increase was made up of steers. Steer slaughter rose 5.1 percent over 2005 while heifers dropped 0.4 percent.
Mintert said the higher cow slaughter and poor pasture conditions might have caused some in the industry to believe that a herd reduction had begun in the cattle cycle.
“Despite the tough conditions, producers are still increasing their herd sizes,” said Mintert.
