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May cattle placements 8% below last year
Fewer cattle entered U.S. feedlots in May 2025 than May 2024.
The USDA says placements on feed last month were 1.886 million head, down 8% on the year and below the average pre-report estimate.
Those lighter placements were partially due to diminished supplies caused by a ban on live cattle imports from Mexico because of the New World screwworm.
Marketings during May dropped 10% to 1.758 million head because of tighter ready numbers and the total number of cattle on feed on June 1st was 1% below a year ago at 11.442 million head.
Overall, the numbers look supportive to cash, futures, and wholesale business, but might already be factored in, and prices will also depend on consumer and export demand.
The USDA’s next cattle on feed update is out July 25th, the same day as the semi-annual cattle inventory report.
Comparisons for Brownfield states:
Iowa: On Feed: 680,000 head, up 3% from June 1st, 2024; Placements: 74,000 head, 1% higher than May 2024; Marketings: 72,000 head, 1% more than last year
Kansas: On Feed: 2.35 million head, up 1% from June 1st, 2024; Placements: 470,000 head, 3% lower than May 2024; Marketings: 400,000 head, 12% less than last year
Nebraska: On Feed: 2.56 million head, up 3% from June 1st, 2024; Placements: 495,000 head, unchanged from May 2024; Marketings: 470,000 head, 8% less than last year
South Dakota: On Feed: 220,000 head, steady with June 1st, 2024; Placements: 24,000 head, unchanged from May 2024; Marketings: 37,000 head, 21% less than last year
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