As far as increasing cattle numbers and the beef supply, retaining a cow's spring heifer takes another carcass out of production the first year, she is bred at 15 mo, calves at 24 mo. that steer is ready for slaughter at around 42 mo replacing his dam on the rail, her second calf is ready for slaughter at 54 mo... finally an increase.

So overall it is 4-1/2 to 5 years after retaining a heifer before there is a net increase in beef production...assuming the original cow is still alive, even if we decide to save a heifer and increase herd size today.

Please correct me if my math or assumptions are wrong. Everything with cattle just takes a long time. Very different than pork or chicken.

Jim