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.
Midwest corn and soy producers are monitoring for disease and lower yields due to the ongoing drought over the last 30 days.
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Farm work is hard work, and as the harvest season brings heavier workloads, experts are urging producers to pay closer attention to joint pain and ways to prevent it.
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On this week’s episode of
FarmHER + RanchHER, host Kirbe Schnoor travels to Wilson’s ranch to see how she blends tradition and technology to raise elite Red Angus cattle.
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Fewer placements and historically low marketings point to tighter cattle supplies ahead, with Nebraska and Kansas gaining ground as Texas feedlots face supply pressure and the threat of New World Screwworm.
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A new study by the National Grains and Feeds Association found that their industry generates $401.7 billion in economic output and supports over 1.16 million jobs nationwide.
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National Education Center for Ag Safety Director Dan Neenan joins us to discuss grain bin safety and the steps producers can take to prevent tragedies.
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What is it like working cattle with an outbreak of New World Screwworm so close to home? Wayne Cockrell, with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, joined us on Wednesday to discuss.
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Kevin Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance joined us Tuesday to share his perspective on farm safety and risk management during fall harvest.
September 23, 2025 04:33 PM
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UNL Animal Science Ph.D candidate Anna Kobza joined us on Tuesday’s
Market Day Report to share her agriculture story and tips for other producers hoping to share their ag stories online or with the media.
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