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Cattle placements rise 4% on year, marketings down 7%
The USDA’s Cattle on Feed report fell within pre-report expectations.
Placements into U.S. feedlots during February 2026 were up 4% on the year at 1.611 million head, towards the high end of what analysts were anticipating, but February 2025 placements were skewed by winter weather issues and a Leap Day in 2024.
Marketings were the second lowest for the month on record, falling 7% to 1.522 million head due to tight ready numbers and winter storms in some areas.
The total number of cattle on feed in the U.S. on March 1st was slightly lower than last year at 11.549 million head.
The numbers look neutral to supportive for cash, futures, and wholesale prices, but might already be factored in.
Comparisons for Brownfield states:
Iowa: On Feed: 680,000 head, up 1% from March 1st, 2025; Placements: 104,000 head, 11% higher than February 2025; Marketings: 92,000 head, 1% less than the previous year
Kansas: On Feed: 2.35 million head, up 1% from March 1st, 2025; Placements: 405,000 head, 11% higher than February 2025; Marketings: 395,000 head, 2% less than the previous year
Nebraska: On Feed: 2.67 million head, up 3% from March 1st, 2025; Placements: 410,000 head, 7% lower than February 2025; Marketings: 410,000 head, 4% less than the previous year
South Dakota: On Feed: 245,000 head, up 4% from March 1st, 2025; Placements: 36,000 head, 3% higher than February 2025; Marketings: 24,000 head, 17% less than the previous year
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