(NAFB) – The Department of Agriculture reports cattle numbers declined two percent in the latest inventory count.

There were 91.9 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms as of January 1, 2022, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service Cattle report. Of the 91.9 million head inventory, all cows and heifers that have calved totaled 39.5 million. There are 30.1 million beef cows in the United States as of January 1, 2022, down two percent from last year. The number of milk cows in the United States decreased to 9.38 million.

U.S. calf crop was estimated at 35.1 million head, down 1% from 2020. All cattle on feed were at 14.7 million head, up slightly from 2021. USDA NASS surveyed approximately 34,800 operators across the nation during the first half of January.

Surveyed producers were asked to report their cattle inventories as of January 1, 2022, and calf crop for the entire year of 2021 by internet, mail, or telephone.