Smallest U.S. Cattle Herd Since January 1958?

As the boards of trade are taking final bids Friday afternoon, the USDA will be getting ready to release their catle inventory numbers.  Ahead of the 1 MST report, Allendale, Inc. has made the following predictions:

• The beef cow herd has contracted for six years straight.
• The decline in the beef cow herd over 2011 was the largest one year decline since 1985.
• Lowest January 1 total cattle herd since January 1958.
• Lowest annual calf crop since 1950. Lower calf crop numbers will continue for three years.