The number of cattle and calves on feed for the U.S. slaughter market in feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or more totaled 11.4 million head on June 1, 2025—a 1% decrease from June 1, 2024. The figures were released June 20 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) in its monthly Cattle on Feed report.
Key data points for May 2025 from the report include:
• Placements in feedlots totaled 1.89 million head, 8% below May 2024. Net placements were 1.82 million head.
• Marketings of fed cattle totaled 1.76 million head, down 10% from the previous year.
• Other disappearance during May was 62,000 head, unchanged from May 2024.
During May, placements of cattle and calves by weight group were:
• 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
The total inventory on feed May 1, 2025, was 11.376 million head, down 2% from May 1, 2024.
State-level data showed feedlot inventory gains in Nebraska and Kansas, while Colorado and Texas reported year-over-year declines. Despite modest monthly increases in total inventory, the lower placements and marketing numbers may signal tighter fed cattle supplies heading into late summer.
