US Cattle Feedlot Activity Slows in February 2025

US net feeder cattle placements on a per day basis in February 2025 dropped 16%

 last month compared to the same month a year ago. February 2025 per day marketing decline 15% relative to the same data in 2024.

We calculate US beef production will drop  4% in 2025 on a year over year basis. USDA has forecast a sharp drop in US net beef imports as favorable beef prices draw foreign beef into the US and lack of US beef production restricts US beef exports. 

Cattle feeders are continuing the strategy of holding cattle to heavier weights which has partially filled in beef supply despite a tight feeder cattle balance.