USDA estimated there were 11.638 million head of cattle in large feedlots (1,000-plus head) as of April 1, down 188,000 head (1.6%) from year-ago. Placements rose 5.1% during March, while marketings increased 1.1%.
| Cattle on Feed Report | USDA (% of year-ago) | Average Estimate (% of year-ago) |
| On Feed on April 1 | 98.4 | 98.3 |
| Placements in March | 105.1 | 103.7 |
| Marketings in March | 101.1 | 100.7 |
Placements rose across all weight categories, with lightweights (under 600 lbs.) up 1.5%, 6-weights up 9.6%, 7-weights up 2.2%, 8-weights up 8.4%, 9-weights up 2.9% and heavyweights (1,000-plus lbs.) up 8.3%.
By state, placements increased 50,000 head in Nebraska, 30,000 head in Kansas, 5,000 head in Texas and 4,000 head in “other states,” while Colorado placed the same amount of cattle into feedlots as March 2024.
The quarterly breakdown of feedlot inventories showed steers down 8,000 head (0.1%) at 7.258 million head, while heifers declined 180,000 head (3.9%) to 4.380 million head.