USDA estimated there were 11.442 million head of cattle in large feedlots (1,000-plus head) as of June 1, down 141,000 head (1.2%) from year-ago. May placements declined 7.8% and marketings fell 10.1% from year-ago levels, with both categories slightly lower than the average pre-report estimates.
| Cattle on Feed Report | USDA (% of year-ago) | Average Estimate (% of year-ago) |
| On Feed on June 1 | 98.8 | 98.9 |
| Placements in May | 92.2 | 94.1 |
| Marketings in May | 89.9 | 90.7 |
Placements declined in all but the 9-weight category, which was steady with year-ago. Placements fell 15.2% for lightweights (under 600 lbs.), 12.7% for 6-weights, 7.2% for 7-weights, 2.8% for 8-weights and 11.1% for heavyweights (1,000-plus lbs.).
On a state-by-state basis, placements fell 85,000 head in Texas, 50,000 head in Colorado, 15,000 head in Kansas and 10,000 head in “other states.” Nebraska placements were equal to May 2024.
The data is neutral compared to the pre-report expectations, but continues to paint an overall bullish supply picture.