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.
Researchers now have new technology to help gauge what healthy cattle eat and how farmers can limit their feed costs, which can be expensive.
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Dairy cows produce more milk for heifers than for baby bulls, according to new research from Kansas State University and Harvard University.
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The use of ultrasound may make growing beef more efficient.
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February 12, 2014 04:06 PM
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The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences recently opened its newest research and education center, once operated by the USDA.
February 07, 2014 11:26 AM
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Cargill’s beef processing plant in Schuyler, Nebraska, closed early Thursday due to a fire and ammonia leak.
February 07, 2014 10:54 AM
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