US Cattle on Feed drops 2% in May

As of May 1, 2025, the number of cattle and calves on feed for the US slaughter market in feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.4 million. This figure represents a 2% decrease compared to the same date in 2024. During April, feedlot placements reached 1.61 million head, which is 3% lower than the previous year. Net placements for the month were 1.56 million head. Fed cattle marketings in April totaled 1.83 million head, also down 3% from April 2024.

These figures reflect a continued tightening in cattle supply, which may influence future market dynamics, pricing, and production strategies across the beef industry, said Farm.com.