The USDA’s June 2024 Cattle on Feed report showed 11.6 million cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the country on feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head, slightly below the June 2023 report.
After a relatively slow April, May feedlot placements totaled 2.05 million head, 4% above 2023. Net placements were 1.98 million head. May placements divided by weight class included:
- Lighter than 600 pounds: 395,000 head
- 600 to 699 pounds: 315,000 head
- 700 to 799 pounds: 485,000 head
- 800 to 899 pounds: 531,000 head
- 900 to 999 pounds were 230,000 head
- 1,000 pounds and heavier: 90,000 head
Marketings of fed cattle during May totaled 1.96 million head, slightly above 2023.