USDA Reports
The modest increase comes despite placements continuing to trail 2025 levels
As USDA moves to restore confidence in its agricultural data, a closer look at livestock reports shows the agency has been getting animal inventories right — with cattle estimates missing by less than 150,000 head on average over five years.
Despite the reduction in corn, production still came in slightly above trade expectations
Cuts to yield were offset by increased acreage indications
Tapped by Secretary Rollins, Kip Tom is building a faster, satellite-driven replacement for NASS’s aging survey system, one he says could turn monthly reports into biweekly ones by year’s end for multiple crops.
Western Corn Belt states continue to drive the U.S. crop lower
The report also showed a record-low calf crop estimate for 2026
Here’s what to watch when USDA rolls out data on cattle inventories, cattle on feed, and cold storage.
Hot weather in the northern Plains takes a toll on spring wheat ratings