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Earlier this year, it was expected that the number of cattle on feed would shrink year over year in the second half of 2024, based on smaller inventory levels at the beginning of the year, and that year-over-year higher calf prices would result in retention of heifers, limiting numbers in the feedlot.
The latest Cattle on Feedreport, published by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), estimated the Sept. 1 feedlot inventory at 11.198 million head, about 1% above 11.127 million head in the same month last year.
The latest Cattle on Feed report, published by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), estimated the Aug. 1 feedlot inventory at 11.095 million head, less than 1% above 11.064 million head in the same month last year.
There was no USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) July Cattle report in 2024 providing an estimate of the cattle inventory on July 1. However, the NASS Cattle on Feed report breaks down the number of steers and heifers in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 head or more on July 1.
In the first six months of 2024, the volume of federally inspected heifer and cow slaughter are down by 1% and 14%, respectively. Further, the percentage of heifers and cows in the slaughter mix in terms of the weekly average for January-June over the past 20 years, 2024 has declined year over year.
With parts of the country battling their way back from drought and U.S. cattle numbers reaching historic lows over the last few years, it’s reasonable to ask when producers are going to start rebuilding their herds.
The relatively slow pace of slaughter in the first four months of 2024 contributed to the number of cattle on feed longer than 150 days on May 1 being the highest since May 2012.
The 2025 outlook for beef production is forecast at 25.12 billion pounds, a 6% decline from 2024. Next year will mark the third consecutive year of lower production following the record-large volume set in 2022 and will be lowest since 2015, when the sector began to rebuild following the 2009-13 drought.
The latest Cattle on Feed report, published by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), showed a March 1 feedlot inventory of 11.838 million head, 1% above 11.685 million head in the same month last year.
