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
Trade uncertainty—especially regarding soybeans—continues to weigh on future outlooks, even as farm finances and land values remain resilient.
January 06, 2026 03:09 PM
·
Strong export demand supports feed grain prices, but drought risk and seasonal patterns favor disciplined early-year marketing.
January 06, 2026 02:46 PM
·
Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.
January 06, 2026 01:28 PM
·
Strong crush demand and rising ethanol production are pressuring feedstocks, as traders monitor storage risks and supply chain uncertainty and await the upcoming January WASDE report.
January 06, 2026 01:04 PM
·
The U.S. Meat Export Federation plans to expand its global market presence in the New Year and says it is focusing its appeal on the growing middle class worldwide.
January 06, 2026 12:21 PM
·
New World Screwworm cases in Mexico, including one within 200 miles of the U.S. border, are adding pressure to livestock markets and trade decisions.
January 06, 2026 12:09 PM
·
