U.S. Cattle on Feed Report Shows Slight Decline

February Data Reveals a 0.7% Drop in Cattle on Feed Numbers

The latest February Cattle on Feed report, released by the Department of Agricultural Economics at Mississippi State University, indicates a slight decrease in the U.S. cattle numbers, standing at 11.7 million as of February 1, 2025, which is a 0.7 percent drop compared to the previous year.

Josh Maples, an Extension Economist, pointed out that while the marketings increased by 1.4 percent year-over-year, the placements of cattle during January saw an increase of 1.7 percent compared to January 2024.

This rise is attributed to the delayed placements from January 2024, primarily due to adverse weather conditions and winter storms, setting a unique precedent since 1996 where February placements exceeded those in January.

The report further delved into the regional impacts of the Mexico cattle import ban, particularly noticeable in Texas where January 2025 placements dropped by 50,000 head, a 14.5 percent decrease. Conversely, Kansas and Nebraska witnessed increases of 60,000 head (15.4 percent) and 30,000 head (5.9 percent) respectively.

Significant increases were also noted in the 700-799 pound weight range across Nebraska and Kansas, while placements across all weight classes in Texas showed a decline.

This distribution of cattle places a spotlight on the 2,105 feedlots with at least 1,000 head capacity, which housed 83 percent of the cattle on feed as of January 1, 2025. Smaller feedlots with less than 1,000 head accounted for the remaining 17 percent, showcasing a diverse industry structure.

As the industry continues to adapt to trade impacts and regional challenges, these insights provide crucial data for farmers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to navigate the evolving landscape of U.S. agriculture.