According to a Statistics Canada report released on February 25, 2025, the Canadian cattle herd continued its decline as of January 1, 2025, marking the third consecutive year of reductions. However, the latest decrease was smaller than those recorded in 2023 and 2024, as improved feed availability and better drought conditions in western Canada helped stabilize herd numbers. Despite this, beef producers retained fewer breeding stock overall, signaling ongoing challenges in herd expansion.
The total number of cattle and calves on Canadian farms decreased by 0.7% to 10.94 million head, marking the smallest year-over-year decline since January 1, 2022. This reduction brings the herd to its lowest level since 1988. The slowed rate of decline is attributed to improved feed supplies and better drought conditions in western Canada over the past year.
Despite the overall decrease, there was a 0.8% increase in beef heifers for breeding, providing support to the beef cow herd. However, reductions were observed in bulls (-1.8%), beef cows (-1.2%), steers (-1.8%), heifers (-0.5%), and calves (-0.2%) compared to January 1, 2024.
From July to December 2024, cattle and calf slaughter declined by 4.6% year-over-year to 1.7 million head. Conversely, international exports of live cattle and calves increased by 1.9% to 396,500 head during the same period, contributing to strong prices for feeder cattle.
