Feedlot Numbers Drop as USDA Reinstates July Inventory Report
New reports from the USDA have revealed key changes in the U.S. cattle industry. The latest Cattle on Feed and Livestock Slaughter updates reflect notable drops in numbers, while the welcome return of the July Cattle Inventory report brings renewed clarity for market analysts and farmers.
The Cattle on Feed report, released Friday, showed a total of 11.6 million head in feedlots with 1,000+ capacity as of March 1—down 2 percent from last year. Marketings of fed cattle totaled 1.6 million head, 9 percent lower than the previous February.
Placements fell 18 percent, a significant year-over-year decline, driven in part by extreme weather events in 2024 that caused shifts in placement trends. Only Washington showed growth in placements, while states like Kansas, Texas, and Nebraska experienced the largest drops.
The Livestock Slaughter report, published Thursday, showed that February cattle slaughter totaled 2.3 million head, down 11 percent from last year.
Steer slaughter dropped 6.6 percent, heifer slaughter by 10.4 percent, and cow slaughter by 21.8 percent. Interestingly, cattle weights increased. The average live weight reached 1,432 pounds, 48 pounds higher than last year.
Adding to the positive developments, the USDA announced the return of the July Cattle Inventory report and County Estimates for crops and livestock. These reports had been cut last year due to budget limitations but are now being reinstated.
These updates are especially important now, as the industry watches for early signs of herd rebuilding after years of tight cattle supplies.
As one industry expert notes, “The return of the July report is timely and valuable for everyone watching herd expansion and market direction.”
With these insights, producers and market analysts will be better equipped to make informed decisions as 2025 progresses.