For 2014, cattle slaughter is expected to decrease roughly 7%, year over year, leading to decreased beef production of over 6.5% for the year, according to Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension livestock marketing specialist.

"Both cattle slaughter and beef production are expected to decline for the remainder of 2013, bringing fourth quarter cattle slaughter down over 5.5%, year over year, and beef production will decrease over 5%," he says.

Though beef production is down only 1.1% for 2013 to date, it is down an average of 2.9% the last four weeks. Cattle slaughter year-to-date is down 1.7%, but is down an average of 3.6% in the last four weeks.

"The fourth quarter of 2013 provides insight into the general expectations for 2014 markets," he says. "The counter-seasonal behavior of cattle markets this fall indicates the transition occurring in beef and cattle markets."

To read more predictions on U.S. beef cattle numbers, click here.

You might also like:

Share This --> Breathtaking Photos Of Winter On The Ranch

25 Facts About Farm Kids

Photo Gallery: Santa's Little Ranch Helpers

2014 Will Be A Record Year For Calf Prices And Risk

3 Lessons From A Greenpeace Dropout

More Consumers Are Realizing The Dishonesty Of The Animal Rights Industry