US cattle herd hits record low at 94.2 million head Drought-driven decline fuels surge in beef prices28 July 2025 28 July 2025 1 minute read 1 minute read By: By: Global Ag Media North AmericaThe US cattle herd fell to 94.2 million head as of July 1, a record low for that date, according to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) data issued on Friday, reported Reuters. US beef prices have set records this year after ranchers slashed their herds due to a years-long drought that burned up pasturelands used for grazing. The herd size was down about 1% from July 1, 2023, which was the last time that the USDA issued data for that date.