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.

Tyson Foods announced Dec. 4 it is closing three U.S. plants affecting more than 1,000 employees, biggest among them being the Emporia, Kansas, facility with 809 workers. Two other prepared food facilities in Philadelphia that produce frozen cheesesteaks are also closing.

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.

In the first six months of 2024, the volume of federally inspected heifer and cow slaughter are down by 1% and 14%, respectively. Further, the percentage of heifers and cows in the slaughter mix in terms of the weekly average for January-June over the past 20 years, 2024 has declined year over year.

The relatively slow pace of slaughter in the first four months of 2024 contributed to the number of cattle on feed longer than 150 days on May 1 being the highest since May 2012.