united states department of agriculture www ers usda gov electronic outlook report from the economic research service note due to uncertainties as length bans regarding imports ruminant products discovery a bse infected cow forecasts for 2005 assume continuation policies currently in place including minimal risk rule however current do not include adjustments announced february 9 after 8 years herd liquidation kicked off by record corn prices 1995 96 and sustained persistent drought many areas through 2003 expansion phase cattle cycle has begun inventory rose 1 percent nearly million head year earlier total half with beef cows up less than dairy fractionally sharp declines slaughter were largely responsible increase numbers over past another modest increased replacement heifers calving this s calf crop is expected rise beginning period cyclically rising feeder supplies canadian us
