Where’s the beef? Nebraska ranchers struggle as number of cattle in U.S. hits 52-year low

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Cattle producers are trying to beef up the industry as the U.S. sees the lowest number of cows in at least 50 years. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture data from July shows that the number of cows is down 3% since last year.

There were 95.9 million head of cattle a on U.S. farms and ranches, the lowest number since 1971. 

“In our state, cattle is a very big driver of our farm economy and our state economy,” said John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union. 

Nebraska farmers say extreme temperature, especially the drought, is one of the main factors in the low numbers.

“As a result of the drought, we had to sell out part of our herd last year,” said Larry Hudkins, a farmer and former president of Nebraska Cattlemen. “I was ready to sell half of my remaining cows on the 1st of July.”

But selling their cows is not that simple.

“When those cows go to town, the genetics that you’ve worked so hard and spent so much time and effort to develop are also going to town and not coming back,” Hansen said.

Hudkins said the rain in the last two months saved him from selling part of his herd.

But unfortunately, the rain might not be enough. 

“Yes, it has brought us some relief,” Hudkins said. “However, the crop was severely hurt before that, so feed prices are going to be high and hay prices are going to be high. But we want to keep that cow herd at all costs if we can because that’s our livelihood, that’s our factory.” 

Hudkins said even though weather cannot be controlled, there’s much more than can be done at the federal level. 

He said there needs to be a farm bill that would allow farmers to use federally protected land during emergencies like drought.