USDA’s annual Cattle Inventory Report released Friday shows the U.S. total cattle inventory shrunk another 1% over the past year, with the number of beef cows also down 1%.

Agriculture leaders emphasize the need for a stable, legal workforce as immigration policies affect the industry.

The 2025 International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) Dairy Forum in San Antonio, Texas, set the stage for discussions about the future direction of the dairy industry. Michael Dykes, IDFA president and CEO outlined five opportunities to unlock the industry’s limitless potential.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump justified the tariffs as a response to what he described as excessive migration, drug trafficking and unfair trade practices. While he suggested the tariff rate could further increase, he indicated a decision on whether oil imports would be exempt would come soon.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised to work with farmers to remove burdensome regulation during his confirmation hearing. And while Lee Zeldin’s past positions raised initial concerns, his recent statements during the confirmation process suggest he may be open to working with the biofuels industry in his new role as EPA Administrator.

Dairy cow slaughter rates are well above prior-year levels. For the week ending January 18, culling totaled 58,000 head, up 13.5% on the year.