As of August 1, 2024, the number of cattle and calves on feed for slaughter in the United States showed a slight increase from the previous year, according to the latest report released by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head housed approximately 11.1 million head of cattle, marking a modest rise compared to the figures recorded on August 1, 2023.
The report further detailed that placements in feedlots during July reached 1.70 million head, which is 6 percent higher than in July 2023. The breakdown of placements by weight class shows a diverse intake, with younger and lighter cattle, weighing less than 600 pounds, accounting for 390,000 head. The placements were spread across various weight categories, indicating a robust entry pattern into feedlots.
Notably, the marketings of fed cattle, which refer to cattle being sold or sent to slaughter, increased by 8 percent to total 1.86 million head in July. This rise in marketings suggests a strong demand for beef amidst ongoing market dynamics.
Conversely, the report highlighted a decline in other disappearances, which include deaths, losses, or exports, totaling 56,000 head in July—a 14 percent decrease from the previous year.
This data is crucial for industry stakeholders, providing insights into cattle supply trends and potential impacts on the market. The slight increase in cattle on feed indicates steady growth within the sector, while the variations in placements and marketings underscore the dynamic nature of cattle supply chain management.
