America’s Cow Inventory: A Deep Dive into Bovine Demographics

The cow population in the United States is a significant aspect of the country’s agricultural landscape.

As of the latest data, the United States has approximately 94 million cattle and calves. This number includes all types of cattle, from dairy cows to beef cattle.

With a population of around 332 million people, there are roughly 0.28 cows per person in the United States. This figure highlights the significant role that cattle play in the nation’s food supply and economy.

The map of the United States below, created by @MetricMaps, shows the dairy cow inventory by state and province.

The distribution of cows across the United States varies significantly.

States with the Most Cows:

• Texas: Leading the nation with approximately 13 million head of cattle, Texas is the heartland of the American beef industry.
• Nebraska: With around 6.8 million cattle, Nebraska is a key player in beef production.
• Kansas: Home to about 6.4 million cattle, Kansas is another major contributor to the beef supply.

States with the Fewest Cows:

• Rhode Island: This small state has the least number of cattle, with just a few thousand head.
• Alaska: With its harsh climate and limited agricultural land, Alaska has a minimal cattle population.
• Hawaii: Known more for its diverse flora and fauna, Hawaii’s cattle population is also relatively small.

The maps below shows counties and states with more cows than people.

Nine U.S. states have more cattle than people (Idaho, Kansas, Mussouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklachoma, South Dakota, Wyoming).

Historical Trends in the Cow Population

The cow population in the United States has seen fluctuations over the years due to various factors such as market demand, environmental conditions, and advancements in agricultural practices. In the early 1970s, the cattle population peaked at around 132 million. Since then, numbers have generally declined, with occasional increases, reflecting changes in industry practices and consumer preferences.

Most Popular Breeds of Cows

Different breeds of cows are raised for various purposes, predominantly dairy and beef production. Here are some of the most popular breeds in the United States:

• Dairy Breeds:
  • Holstein: The most common dairy breed, known for its high milk production.
  • Jersey: Renowned for producing milk with high butterfat content.
  • Guernsey: Another dairy breed valued for its rich, creamy milk.
• Beef Breeds:
  • Angus: Favored for its high-quality beef and efficient meat production.
  • Hereford: Known for its hardiness and good meat quality.
  • Charolais: Popular for its size and the lean meat it produces.