The Canadian cow herd grew by 3.2 per cent in the past year, the largest year-over-year increase recorded since 2004.
As of July 1 Canadian cattle inventories totalled 12.1 million head, according to a report by Statistics Canada. This is the second year of increases. The key factors were reduced slaughter numbers increased imports and record-high prices.
The Canadian cattle herd had shrunk to its lowest level since 1989 in early 2024 as drought and scarce feed prompted farmers to cull herds.
This year’s growth was the result of 5.7 per cent more heifers retained for breeding, 1.9 per cent more beef cows, 1.2 per cent more dairy heifers kept for breeding, 0.9 per cent more dairy cows, 3.8 per cent more feeder heifers and 3.4 per cent more feeder steers and 4.6 per cent more calves.
