The size of the beef cow herd remains historically low. “In 2022, 76 percent of the beef cow herd was in drought. That’s why we have some of the highest prices now, because of reduced herds,” said Tim Petry, NDSU Livestock Economist. “The last Drought Monitor had 14 percent of our beef cow herd in drought.” Improvements in pasture conditions should favor the rebuilding of the herd, but it’s a slow process.
