According to a report published by Steiner Consulting Group, the sharp increase in cow slaughter resulted in higher-than-expected slaughter numbers. Through September, about half a million more cattle were slaughtered than the same period last year. Steer slaughter during this time was actually down 157,000 head. Heifer slaughter, however, increased by 377,000 head, for 5.2 percent, and beef cow slaughter was up over 13 percent.
