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July cattle placements, marketings fall to historic lows
Cattle placements and marketings during July were the lowest for the month on record.
The USDA says 1.422 million head of cattle were placed into feedlots last month, below pre-report expectations, and down 11% on the year. That strong decline is due to ongoing drought in some of the major feeding areas, along with the generally tight supply of cattle.
July marketings were 1.62 million head, 7% less than last year.
The total number of cattle on feed in the U.S. on August 1st 2026 was up 2% at 11.117 million head.
The numbers look supportive to cash, wholesale, and futures prices, but that will also depend on sustained demand.
Comparisons for Brownfield states:
Iowa: On Feed: 670,000 head, down 3% from August 1st, 2025; Placements: 55,000 head, 17% lower than a year ago; Marketings: 63,000 head, 3% less than last year
Kansas: On Feed: 2.26 million head, down slightly from August 1st, 2025; Placements: 375,000 head, 14% lower than a year ago; Marketings: 405,000 head, 5% less than last year
Nebraska: On Feed: 2.47 million head, up 3% from August 1st, 2025; Placements: 380,000 head, 14% lower than a year ago; Marketings: 435,000 head, 9% less than last year
South Dakota: On Feed: 210,000 head, up 11% from August 1st, 2025; Placements: 16,000 head, 27% lower than a year ago; Marketings: 30,000 head, 14% less than last year
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