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USDA Cattle on Feed numbers show decline in placements, marketings
Market ready cattle numbers remain tight and should stay that way for a while.
The USDA says placements of cattle into U.S. feedlots during January 2026 were 1.736 million head, 5% lower than January 2025, with most of those lighter and middle weight cattle.
Marketings of 1.626 million head fell 13% on the year due to lighter placements in previous months, less aggressive packer demand, and periodic winter weather issues.
The total number of cattle on feed on February 1st was 11.505 million head, down 2%.
The number 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, unchanged from February 1st, 2025; Placements: 100,000 head, 13% lower than January 2025; Marketings: 38,000 head, 9% more than last year
Kansas: On Feed: 2.35 million head, down 1% from February 1st, 2025; Placements: 400,000 head, 11% lower than January 2025; Marketings: 430,000 head, 8% less than last year
Nebraska: On Feed: 2.68 million head, up 3% from February 1st, 2025; Placements: 495,000 head, 7% lower than January 2025; Marketings: 425,000 head, 17% less than last year
South Dakota: On Feed: 230,000 head, unchanged from February 1st, 2025; Placements: 29,000 head, 17% lower than January 2025; Marketings: 32,000 head, 6% less than last year
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