News

Placements down 8% in latest Cattle on Feed report

There were fewer cattle placed into U.S. feedlots in June 2025.

The USDA says last month’s placements were 1.44 million head, down 8% on the year and below the average pre-report estimates.  The ongoing ban on live cattle imports from Mexico because of the New World screwworm continues to impact the number of cattle placed.

All cattle on calves on feed in the U.S. totaled 11.1 million head as of July 1, down 2 percent from last year at this time.  Heifer and heifer calves accounted on feed totaled 4.24 million head, down 5 percent from 2024.

Marketings for June were down 4%, and are the lowest for June since the report began in 1996. 

Overall, the numbers look supportive to cash, futures, and wholesale business.  However, prices will also depend on sustained consumer and export demand.

The USDA’s next cattle on feed update comes out August 22 at 3pm ET/2pm CT.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Iowa: On Feed: 690,000 head, up 6% from July 1st, 2024; Placements: 57,000 head, 21% higher than June 2024; Marketings: 46,000 head, 18% less than last year

Kansas: On Feed: 2.27 million head, up 2% from July 1st, 2024; Placements: 360,000 head, 14% higher than June 2024; Marketings: 430,000 head, 6% more than last year

Nebraska: On Feed: 2.44 million head, up 2% from July 1st, 2024; Placements: 360,000 head, 13 percent lower than June 2024; Marketings: 470,000 head, 5% less than last year

South Dakota: On Feed: 205,000 head, steady with July 1st, 2024; Placements: 23,000 head, 4% lower from June 2024; Marketings: 33,000 head, unchanged from last year