Canada’s cattle herd has grown for the first time since 2021, according to new data from Statistics Canada.

The agency reported that, as of July 1, the national cattle and calf population stood at 11.9 million head, up 0.8 per cent from the same date a year earlier. The increase follows several years of decline driven by drought, high feed costs and liquidation in some regions.

The turnaround was largely influenced by reduced slaughter activity. From January to June, Canadian slaughter numbers fell five per cent compared to the same period in 2024. At the same time, retention of breeding stock improved slightly, with beef heifers up two per cent, beef cows up 0.4 per cent and bulls up 0.5 per cent.

Dairy producers also reported modest gains, with dairy heifers up 0.5 per cent and dairy cows edging 0.4 per cent higher. Calving numbers supported the trend, as births rose 1.8 per cent in the first half of the year.

Despite these increases, feeder heifer and steer numbers continued to slip, down 1.5 per cent and 1.8 per cent respectively. Market watchers suggest these shifts point to tighter supplies of market-ready cattle in the short term, even as breeding herds stabilize.

This is the first time since 2021 that overall inventories have increased, offering a potential signal of rebuilding efforts within the industry after years of contraction.