WASHINGTON (RFD-TV)—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) monthly Cattle on Feed report for September showed 11.1 million head in U.S. feedlots with capacity of 1,000 head or more on September 1, 2025, down one percent from last year.
Placements in August totaled 1.78 million head, 10 percent below 2024, with net placements at 1.73 million. Marketings reached 1.57 million head, 14 percent lower year over year, marking the lowest August marketing level since the data series began in 1996.
Ahead of the report, analysts expected August placements at 88.6 to 93.4 percent of last year, averaging about 91.3 percent. The USDA’s reported figure came in on the lower end of that range, underscoring a slowdown in feeder cattle availability.
Contributing factors include fewer Mexican feeder imports, earlier marketing of lighter-weight calves, and a historically small beef cow herd. The other disappearance was 51,000 head, down six percent.
Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: August placements and marketings confirm tighter fed cattle supplies heading into fall. Fewer cattle on feed suggest smaller slaughter numbers this winter, which could support strong prices if beef demand holds firm.
manage risk as milk price volatility increases.
March 27, 2026 09:00 AM
·
Strong beef demand is offsetting weaker cash cattle.
March 27, 2026 08:00 AM
·
As ag lawmakers in the Senate await the House vote on the Farm Bill, they are eager to discuss the challenges farmers face before it is their turn to take up the critical legislation.
March 26, 2026 04:29 PM
·
Houston competitor Ainslea Hayes shares what it takes to compete in the ring and carry on a family legacy
March 26, 2026 03:44 PM
·
Productivity gains are supporting supply despite limited herd expansion.
March 26, 2026 03:23 PM
·
Elena Chavez with Halter provided insight into the company’s virtual fencing technology, its adoption in the U.S., and the impact of recent funding on ranching operations.
March 26, 2026 03:21 PM
·
