By Jamie Martin
The February Cattle on Feed report recorded 11.7 million head of cattle in U.S. feedlots as of February 1, 2025, marking a 0.7% decline from the previous year. While overall numbers dropped, marketings increased by 1.4% year-over-year, indicating steady demand in the beef market.
A significant highlight of the report was cattle placements into feedlots, which rose 1.7% compared to January 2024. This increase is partly due to last year’s winter storms that delayed placements, shifting numbers into February. However, industry analysts suggest that February placements in 2025 may be affected by the ongoing Mexico cattle import ban.
A regional breakdown reveals that Texas, a major cattle-producing state, experienced a 14.5% decline in placements, with 50,000 fewer cattle entering feedlots. This decrease was offset by Kansas and Nebraska, which saw 15.4% and 5.9% increases, respectively. Cattle weighing 700-799 pounds accounted for the largest placement increase, rising 6.3% from last year.
Another key takeaway from the report is the distribution of cattle across feedlot sizes. 83% of cattle on feed were housed in large feedlots with at least 1,000 head capacity. The remaining 17% were spread across 24,000 smaller feedlots.
Notably, 80 large feedlots, each with a 50,000+ head capacity, housed 35% of all U.S. cattle on feed as of January 1, 2025.
Industry experts continue to monitor the effects of trade policies and weather conditions on cattle placements and feedlot trends. The shifting regional placements and evolving feedlot structures reflect broader changes in the cattle industry.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-imaginegolf
Categories: National