WASHINGTON, D.C. — In January, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey more than 40,000 cattle operations nationwide to provide an up-to-date measure of U.S. cattle inventories.

“This summer, NASS reported 95 million head of cattle in the United States as of July 1,” said Illinois State Statistician Mark Schleusener. “That was the lowest July 1 inventory since the series began in 1973. Now as we gear up to conduct the January Cattle Survey, getting a current count of all cattle and calves will serve as a critical decision-making tool for producers and the entire agriculture industry.”

During the first two weeks of January, producers will have the opportunity to report their beef and dairy cattle inventories, calf crop, death loss and cattle on feed operations. To make it as easy as possible for producers to participate, NASS offers the option of responding to the survey via the internet, telephone, mail or a personal interview with a local NASS representative.

“There is a need for current data, especially with the low July inventory,” Schleusener explained. “This information helps producers make timely, informed marketing decisions and plan for herd expansion or reduction. It also helps packers and government evaluate expected slaughter volume for future months and determine potential supplies for export.”

NASS will also measure sheep and goat inventories and wool and mohair production during a nationwide survey. “Interest in sheep and goat data continues to grow with increased diversification in agriculture and consumer demands,” said Schleusener. “The Sheep and Goat Survey gives producers the opportunity to report the latest information on conditions and trends in the industry.”

Operators are being asked to provide information about their sheep and goat inventories, counts of lambs and kids born during 2014, and production and prices received for wool and mohair. In Illinois alone, NASS will contact more than 400 operations to request their responses to the survey.

“Accurate data on sheep and goat inventory and production is a critical decision-making tool for USDA and the industry to be more responsive to domestic and international markets and consumer needs,” Schleusener said. “The information can also help create public appreciation for the many benefits of U.S. sheep and goats and their products.”

As is the case with all NASS surveys, information provided by respondents is confidential by law. NASS publishes only state- and national-level data to ensure no individual producer or operation can be identified.

The January Cattle and Sheep and Goats reports will be released on Jan. 30. These and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov