It appears dairy cow slaughter slowed significantly in July, down some 25,300 head compared to a year ago and off 10,000 head from June, according to a report released by the United States Department of Agriculture this afternoon.

But that’s only because there were fewer days to ship cattle in July 2016. This July had just 20 working days compared to 23 in July 2015, and 22 in June.  So the culling rate per day was actually higher this July by almost 300 head compared to July last year and up 500 head compared to June.

Year-to-date, culling is down 32,700 head, or almost 2%.  Read USDA’s full livestock slaughter report HERE.

Source – Dairy Herd