The Cattle on Feed report released April 17 by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) showed 11.6 million head of cattle being fed for the slaughter market in the U.S., down 2% from April 2024. That total includes 7.26 million steers (down only slightly) and 4.38 million heifers (down 4%). Feedlot placements throughout the month of March totaled 1.84 million head, 5% higher than 2024 and above prereport estimates.
The January report also showed a significant year-over-year drop (3%) in heifers on feed. While it’s still early to label the data a trend, it could indicate a renewed tendency toward heifer retention by producers willing to maintain or expand cow-calf herds after years of herd contraction. However, with slaughter cow prices remaining exceptionally high, culling of older cows may offset a lot of heifer retention. As such, experts don't expect a rebuild of the national cow herd to be nearly as accelerated as what it was a decade ago.
The pace of feeder cattle crossing the border from Mexico continued to tick up; New World screwworm was detected in Mexico in November 2024, which led to a ban on live cattle imports from that country until Jan. 21, when cross-border trade resumed with stricter policies in place to mitigate the spread of the pest.
Total March feedlot placements by weight class were as follows:
- Lighter than 600 pounds: 335,000 head
- 600 to 699 pounds: 285,000 head
- 700 to 799 pounds: 475,000 head
- 800 to 899 pounds: 506,000 head
- 900 to 999 pounds: 175,000 head
- 1,000 pounds and heavier: 65,000 head
Marketings of fed cattle during March totaled 1.73 million head, 1% above 2024.
