Regions · 840 · United States
Fewer animals, worth more each.
The US herd is the smallest in about 75 years and each animal is worth more than ever. Calves change hands within days of birth, and interstate dairy cattle need electronic tags. Team based in Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio.
HEAD
US cattle and calves on 1 January 2026, the smallest January herd since 1951.
Source · USDA NASS, Cattle · 30 Jan 2026
/CWT
Record price for 750 to 800 lb feeder steers at Oklahoma City, early May 2026. Record highs in spring 2026.
Source · USDA AMS via trade press · May 2026
5 Nov 2024
Since this date, official ear tags for interstate movement of dairy cattle must be visually and electronically readable.
01Home states
Where the team is based.
Wisconsin
Dairy country. Fewer licensed herds each year with about the same number of cows, so more calves per farm and more records per day. Home base of Mule's founder.
3.25MHEAD
Wisconsin cattle, 1.285M milk cows.
Source · USDA NASS · 1 Jan 2026
Michigan
Adding cows while losing farms. Home base of Mule's data engineering.
1.12MHEAD
Michigan cattle, 460K milk cows.
Source · USDA NASS · 1 Jan 2026
Ohio
As many beef cows as dairy cows, with calves moving both ways. Home base of Mule's hardware work.
1.23MHEAD
Ohio cattle, as many beef cows as dairy cows.
Source · USDA NASS · 1 Jan 2026
Illinois
Feedlots, cow-calf and dairy operations across the state, served remotely and on site when a project needs it.
Indiana
Dairy, beef and the haulers between them, served remotely and on site when a project needs it.
02The rules our systems speak
The rules already require the data.
- USDA APHIS ADT
- Since 5 November 2024, official ear tags for interstate movement of dairy cattle, and of intact beef cattle 18 months and older, must be visually and electronically readable. Every crossbred and dairy calf crossing a state line already carries an electronic ID.
- 840 EID
- The 15-digit ID that opens with the US country code. Mule systems read it, match records by it and carry it through every handoff.
- Certificates of veterinary inspection
- Health papers attached to the load, not kept in a glovebox.
- The 28-hour law
- 49 U.S.C. 80502 caps time in transit without 5 hours of rest, feed and water. Mule hauling systems keep the clock on every load.
FAQ
Questions
Do you have an office we can visit?
No. The team works from Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Belgium and Spain, and comes to your operation when a project needs a site visit.
Which states do you work in?
Anywhere in the US. Most current work is in the Upper Midwest and out to the Plains.
Start a project
Tell us what happens to your animals today.
Tell us about your operation and what you want to fix. We reply within 1 business day.
Or write directly
juastins@icloud.comReplies within 1 business day. No phone line; every conversation is in writing and in your portal.