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
Cattle imports from Mexico remain stalled amid the New World screwworm outbreak. At the same time, Tyson closures add pressure on Nebraska producers and markets ahead of the USDA’s upcoming Cattle on Feed Report.
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