US Cattle On Feed Activity Picks Up
US Feeder cattle placements and finished cattle sales both increased in October compared to the same month a year ago. Based on recent feedlot data, steer & heifer slaughter will be about unchanged over the next eight months. Beef production from feedlot marketings is projected to increase because of heavier dressed weights.
Tight feeder cattle supplies will continue to be a major price supporting force in 2025.
| US Cattle on Feed, October, Thousand Head | |||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | % Change | |
| On feed October 1 | 11,550 | 11,509 | 11,604 | 11,600 | |
| Placed on feed during October . | 2,246 | 2,085 | 2,170 | 2,286 | 5% |
| Fed cattle marketed during October | 1,791 | 1,804 | 1,763 | 1,845 | 5% |
| Other disappearance during October | 57 | 54 | 55 | 55 | |
| On feed November 1 | 11,948 | 11,736 | 11,956 | 11,986 | 0% |
| USDA Data | |||||