Canada’s cattle herd grows at fastest pace in two decades

Canada’s cattle herd continues to grow in 2026, with inventories reaching their highest level in years as producers retain more breeding animals and calf numbers increase.

According to Statistics Canada’s July Livestock Estimates report, released August 27, 2026, there are 12.1 million cattle and calves on Canadian farms as of July 1, up 3.2 per cent from the same date in 2025. The increase marks the largest year-over-year gain in the national herd since 2004.

Numbers are higher across all major cattle categories.

Producers report more beef replacement heifers, which are up 5.7 per cent from a year earlier, along with a 1.9 per cent increase in beef cows. Dairy breeding heifers, dairy cows, and bulls also post modest gains.

Calf numbers rise 4.6 per cent to 3.9 million head. Feeder inventories are also larger, with feeder heifers up 3.8 per cent and feeder steers up 3.4 per cent.

The larger inventory comes as fewer cattle move through packing plants during the first half of the year. From January to June, cattle and calf slaughter totals 1.5 million head, down 4.6 per cent from the same period in 2025 and the lowest first-half total since 2026.

Trade activity also leaves more cattle in the country. Live cattle and calf exports decline 16.4 per cent to 326,300 head during the first six months of the year, while imports increase 3.1 per cent to 235,700 head.

Producers continue to benefit from strong cattle markets through the first half of 2026. Statistics Canada notes that feeder cattle, slaughter cattle, and calf prices all reach record highs, supported by ongoing demand for beef and live animals.

The July inventory report shows producers are holding on to more cattle, particularly breeding stock, while strong prices continue to support herd growth.