The cattle cycle is the approximately 10-year period in which the number of U.S.
beef cattle is alternatively expanded and reduced over several consecutive years in response to perceived changes in
profitability by producers.
Generally, low prices occur when
cattle numbers (or
beef supplies) are high, precipitating several years of
herd
A herd is a social group of certain animals of the same species, either wild or domestic. The form of collective animal behavior associated with this is called ''herding''. These animals are known as gregarious animals.
The term ''herd'' is ...
liquidation. As cattle numbers decline, prices gradually begin to rise, causing
producers to begin adding cattle to their herds. The cycle is relatively long due to the long period of time it takes between the time a
cow-calf operator
In rail transport, a cow-calf (also cow and calf) locomotive is a set of switcher-type diesel locomotives. The set usually is a pair; some 3-unit sets (with two calves, also known as herds) were built, but this was rare. A cow is equipped with a ...
decides to expand a
cow herd to breed more beef cattle and the time those animals reach
slaughter weight.
See also
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Pork cycle
References
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Cattle Cycle
Agriculture in the United States