By Scout Nelson
South Dakota remains the top state in the nation for cattle per person. The number of cattle in the state continues to be much higher than the number of people who live there. This makes South Dakota a leader in cattle production and livestock farming.
As of January 2023, South Dakota reports about 3.6 million head of cattle. The state’s human population is close to 920,000 people. This creates a cattle to people ratio of about 3.9 to one. This means there are nearly four cattle for every person living in the state. This ratio is the highest in the country. Nebraska ranks second, followed by North Dakota and Wyoming.
Even though South Dakota remains the top state, its cattle numbers have slowly declined over the past ten years. In 2018, the state’s ratio is about 4.6 cattle for every person. Today, that number is slightly lower. This change shows that cattle numbers are slowly decreasing while the human population continues to grow.
Across the nation, cattle numbers are also declining. The United States Department of Agriculture reports that the country has about 87.2 million head of cattle in 2024. This is the lowest total since 1951. Drought across many regions continues to limit feed supply and water access. These weather challenges make it harder for farmers and ranchers to keep large herds.
The USDA also states that beef production is expected to fall by 4 percent in 2025 and by another 2 percent in 2026. This drop in supply is one of the main reasons beef prices continue to rise. Since 2020, beef prices increase by more than 50 percent across the country.
South Dakota’s strong cattle presence continues to support local farms, feed suppliers, transport services, and meat processors. While the state still leads the nation, changing weather and market conditions continue to shape the future of cattle farming.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pamwalker68
Categories: South Dakota, Livestock, Beef Cattle