The slowdown in dairy cull cow marketing is being driven by a smaller milking herd, limited availability of replacement heifers to maintain full barns and slight improvements in milk income margins.
Based on latest USDA monthly data released Aug. 22, the number of dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants in July 2024 was estimated at 225,900. While up 39,500 from June, it was 18,300 fewer than July 2023 and the lowest July total since 2017.
Through Aug. 3, the USDA Ag Marketing Service estimates indicate the number of dairy cows marketed for beef has now trailed year-ago levels for 48 consecutive weeks, dating back to Sept. 9, 2023, and was down about 360,000 from the same period a year earlier.
Audrey Schmitz
August 26, 2024
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