Cattle feedlots across the United States added 1.62 million head in August, marking the lowest placement figure since record-keeping started three decades ago, according to data released Sept. 18 by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The placements dropped 9% compared with August 2025, continuing a downward trend in feedlot activity. Marketings of fed cattle also reached a historic low for the month, with 1.52 million head sold, down 3% from the previous year.
The decline in new placements comes even as overall inventory remains relatively stable. Feedlots with 1,000-head capacity or more held 11.2 million cattle and calves on Sept. 1, just 1% above the same date in 2025.
The August placement breakdown shows varied activity across weight categories. Feedlots received 320,000 head weighing under 600 pounds, while mid-weight cattle between 800 and 899 pounds made up the largest group at 387,000 head. Cattle weighing 700 to 799 pounds totaled 355,000 head, and those between 600 and 699 pounds numbered 240,000. Heavier cattle weighing 900 to 999 pounds accounted for 230,000 head, with animals over 1,000 pounds making up just 85,000 head.
Net placements for August reached 1.57 million head after accounting for movements between feedlots.
Other disappearance, which includes death loss and animals removed for reasons besides slaughter, totaled 52,000 head during August, up 2% from 2025.
