LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD-TV) — Feedlot inventories continue to tighten, as expected, according to December’s Cattle on Feed Report (PDF Version) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which delivered no surprises, with all key figures landing squarely within trade expectations. Cattle and calves on feed in feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or more totaled 11.7 million head on December 1, down 2 percent from a year earlier.
Placements during November fell sharply to 1.60 million head, 11 percent below last year and the lowest November placements on record, reflecting limited feeder supplies and high prices. Marketings also declined 12 percent from a year ago, marking the second-lowest November total since records began, reinforcing the picture of tight fed cattle availability moving into early 2026.
By state, Nebraska remained the largest feeding state with 2.67 million head on feed, followed by Texas at 2.61 million head and Kansas at 2.44 million head. Texas inventories were down 9 percent from a year earlier, a decline exacerbated by the ongoing closure of the Mexican border to feeder cattle due to concerns over New World screwworm, further restricting placements.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Tight feeder supplies and lower placements point to continued cattle market support, with regional impacts heightened in Texas by reduced feeder imports.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions provides remote water-monitoring technology to help ranchers manage livestock water more efficiently.
February 05, 2026 03:26 PM
·
Jones Hamilton Company shares insights on herd health, efficiency, and innovation for cattle producers this year at NCBA CattleCon in Nashville.
February 05, 2026 03:07 PM
·
The House Agriculture Committee is set to debate a new, “skinny” Farm Bill at the end of February, according to a release from Committee Chairman Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson.
February 05, 2026 12:35 PM
·
The fun continues in Nashville next year at CattleCon 2027!
February 05, 2026 11:24 AM
·
Regulatory uncertainty could slow the growth of fiber and grain hemp unless implementation is delayed.
February 04, 2026 05:00 PM
·
Quick to prep and packed with flavor, this dish is a bold way to kick up any weekend spread.
February 04, 2026 02:54 PM
·
University of Nebraska-Lincoln President Dr. Jeffrey Gold talks about heart health and preventive care for viewers in rural communities.
February 04, 2026 02:05 PM
·
Jeramy Stephens of National Land Realty breaks down current trends in the farmland real estate market and how landowners should consider water availability and its impact on land values as they plan for the year ahead.
February 04, 2026 01:57 PM
·
As cattle markets show renewed strength, producers gathering at CattleCon are focused on protecting operations, managing risk, and positioning for opportunity in the year ahead.
February 04, 2026 01:41 PM
·
