The USDA’s latest Cattle on Feed report, published May 24, showed that 1.87 million head of fed cattle were marketed in April, a more than 10% increase from the same period last year, and higher than the 9% to 9.5% increase many analysts had expected.
Feedlot placements in April were 1.66 million head, 6% lower than 2023. The total number of U.S. cattle on feed for the slaughter market in feedlots with a capacity of more than 1,000 head totaled 11.6 million on May 1, only about 1% below the 2023 level. With the national cow herd population still near a 50-year nadir, it comes as little surprise that feeder cattle supplies remain limited and placements lower than a year ago. These factors should lead to continued high cattle prices.
April feedlot placements by weight include:
- Lighter than 600 pounds: 335,000 head
- 600 to 699 pounds: 220,000 head
- 700 to 799 pounds: 375,000 head
- 800 to 899 pounds: 451,000 head
- 900 to 999 pounds: 250,000 head
- Heavier than 1,000 pounds: 70,000 head
The full report can be found at the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service website.
