DALEVILLE—The U.S. cattle inventory has reached its lowest level since 1951, marking its fifth consecutive year of decline.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that as of Jan. 1, U.S. cattle and calves totaled 87.2 million head, down 2% from last year. Severe dry weather and increased costs have forced cattle producers to sell their herds, resulting in fewer female cattle for breeding. Restocking the herds will take about three years once heifers are retained.

The limited cattle supply and high beef demand may cause higher prices in grocery stores. However, the impact could be limited by increased imports of cattle and beef.

Brandon Reeves, executive director of the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association told the Virginia Farm Bureau “we have already seen a huge increase in the number of feeder cattle imported from Mexico thanks to the free trade agreement we have with them.”

Virginia’s cattle producers may benefit from the lower national numbers, leading to increased demand and prices for Virginia feeder cattle. While national numbers have declined, Virginia’s cattle inventory has slightly increased, indicating a positive response to higher prices.