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
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