U.S. Cattle on Feed Drops 2% in May 2025

U.S. Cattle Inventory Trends Show Continued Decline

As of May 1, 2025, the number of cattle and calves on feed for the U.S. slaughter market in feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.4 million. This figure represents a 2% decrease compared to the same date in 2024.

During April, feedlot placements reached 1.61 million head, which is 3% lower than the previous year. Net placements for the month were 1.56 million head.

Breaking down the April placements by weight category: 310,000 head weighed under 600 pounds, 225,000 were between 600–699 pounds, 370,000 were in the 700–799-pound range, 443,000 weighed 800–899 pounds, 195,000 were 900–999 pounds, and 70,000 head weighed 1,000 pounds or more.

Fed cattle marketings in April totaled 1.83 million head, also down 3% from April 2024. Additionally, other disappearance—cattle removed from the feedlot inventory for reasons other than slaughter—was reported at 50,000 head, which is 11% lower than the same month last year.

These figures reflect a continued tightening in cattle supply, which may influence future market dynamics, pricing, and production strategies across the beef industry.