By Dr. Kenny Burdine
The number of cattle in U.S. feedlots fell below year-ago levels for the first time since April, according to USDA’s October Cattle on Feed report, released Friday, October 23. Estimated feedlot inventory totaled 11.372 million head on October 1. The monthly report covers feedlots with capacity of more than 1,000 head, which account for over 80% of U.S. cattle on feed.
September placements delivered the report’s biggest surprise. Feedlots placed an estimated 1.777 million head during the month—a record low for September, 12% below 2025 and well below pre-report expectations. Live cattle imports from Mexico began phasing back in during late August, so some imported cattle were included in the September total. Still, the impact was likely small because the highest-volume facility, in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, did not resume importation until late in the month.
Source : osu.edu