By Jamie Martin
The USDA’s latest cattle report shows declining cattle feedlot numbers, with 11.6 million head on feed as of April 1, down 1.6% from last year. This drop continues a trend seen since November 2024, influenced by shrinking calf crops.
Although March marketings were up 1% from 2024, it was the 5% increase in placements that drew attention. Analysts had expected a rise due to low February numbers—caused by poor weather—and strong calf prices encouraging early movements. Yet, despite the March surge, placements for the first quarter were still 4% lower than the same period last year.
The quarterly update also detailed gender breakdowns: steer numbers were stable, while heifers were down 4%, making up 37.6% of the feedlot total. This does not signal herd expansion, though it's slightly lower than last April and this January.
Future heifer retention will largely depend on rainfall and pasture health. Despite high calf prices, dry weather could prevent producers from keeping more females. Additionally, beef cow slaughter remains well below 2024 levels, further suggesting slowed liquidation of the herd.
Even so, current trends don’t point to herd rebuilding. Beef cow numbers are expected to stay steady or drop slightly by year’s end.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-imaginegolf
Categories: National