WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. cattle on feed moved higher in May as placements increased and fed cattle marketings slowed sharply. USDA says cattle and calves on feed in feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or more totaled 11.6 million head on May 1, up 2 percent from a year earlier.
April placements totaled 1.70 million head, up 6 percent from 2025. Net placements were 1.65 million head, with the largest weight group coming from 800- to 899-pound cattle.
Marketings were the bigger market signal. USDA says April fed cattle marketings totaled 1.64 million head, down 10 percent from last year.
Nebraska reported the largest May 1 inventory, at 2.64 million head, followed closely by Texas at 2.58 million head. Kansas was third at 2.37 million head.
The report reinforces a tight slaughter pace even as feedlot inventories remain above last year’s levels.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Higher placements lifted feedlot inventories, but slower marketings point to continued tightness in finished cattle movement.
Tony St. James RFD News Markets Specialist
ASFMRA’s Luke Worrell joined us to discuss farmland market trends, insights from the Illinois Land Values Conference, changing buyer and seller demographics, and the latest outlook on planting progress.
April 29, 2026 02:34 PM
·
Vermicompost business helps boost soil health from the ground up.
April 29, 2026 11:45 AM
·
The House is moving forward with debate on the Farm Bill after a lengthy session in the House Rules Committee cleared the legislation for floor consideration.
April 29, 2026 11:28 AM
·
Data center growth can bring opportunities, but competition for land, water, and power will matter more in rural areas.
April 29, 2026 10:00 AM
·
March pork gains lifted total meat production, but first-quarter output still ran below last year.
April 29, 2026 07:00 AM
·
California almond acreage tightens while pistachios shift into an off-year, shaping a mixed outlook for prices and supply in the tree nut market.
April 28, 2026 04:45 PM
·
