USDA reports decline in cattle on feed

The National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its latest report indicating a slight decline in the number of cattle on feed in the United States.

As of June 1, 2025, the total number of cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head stood at 11.4 million. This represents a 1 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year.

The report also highlights a significant drop in placements in feedlots during May 2025, totaling 1.89 million head, which is 8 per cent below the figures from May 2024. Net placements were recorded at 1.82 million head.

The breakdown of placements by weight category:

• Less than 600 pounds, 335,000 head
• 600-699 pounds: 275,000 head
• 700-799 pounds: 450,000 head
• 800-899 pounds: 516,000 head
• 900-999 pounds: 230,000 head
• 1,000 pounds and greater: 80,000 head

Marketings of fed cattle during May 2025 totaled 1.76 million head, marking a 10 per cent decrease from May 2024. Additionally, other disappearance remained unchanged from the previous year, totaling 62,000 head during May.