Earlier this year, it was expected that the number of cattle on feed would shrink year over year in the second half of 2024, based on smaller inventory levels at the beginning of the year, and that year-over-year higher calf prices would result in retention of heifers, limiting numbers in the feedlot.

The December World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report (WASDE) showed this month’s 2024-25 U.S. corn outlook is for greater corn used for ethanol, larger exports and lower ending stocks.

The U.S. suspends Mexico cattle imports after New World screwworm (NWS) was identified in an infected cow at a livestock inspection checkpoint close to the border of Guatemala, in the state of Chiapas. The U.S. was notified by Mexico government officials on Nov. 22, 2024.

The latest Cattle on Feed report, published by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), estimated the Sept. 1 feedlot inventory at 11.198 million head, about 1% above 11.127 million head in the same month last year.

The latest Cattle on Feed report, published by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), estimated the Aug. 1 feedlot inventory at 11.095 million head, less than 1% above 11.064 million head in the same month last year.

There was no USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) July Cattle report in 2024 providing an estimate of the cattle inventory on July 1. However, the NASS Cattle on Feed report breaks down the number of steers and heifers in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 head or more on July 1.