Cattle on feed numbers moved lower to start February, with both total inventories and new placements trending below year-ago levels, according to the latest Cattle on Feed report from USDA.
The report showed approximately 11.5 million head of cattle and calves on feed as of February 1. That figure was down two percent compared to the same time last year, reflecting continued tight supplies across the cattle sector.
Placements into feedlots during January also declined. Producers placed 1.74 million head last month, a five percent drop from January a year ago. The data highlighted where the bulk of those cattle fell by weight class.
The largest share of placements came in the 700 to 799-pound category, totaling 455,000 head. Cattle weighing under 600 pounds accounted for 360,000 head, while the 600 to 699-pound class reached 365,000 head. Placements in the 800 to 899-pound range totaled 381,000 head.
Heavier-weight cattle made up a smaller portion of the total. Placements included about 105,000 head weighing between 900 and 999 pounds and 70,000 head at 1,000 pounds or more.
The report also reflected a sharp slowdown in fed cattle movement. Marketings during January dropped 13 percent compared to the previous year. Other disappearance, which includes death loss and other adjustments, declined eight percent to 55,000 head.
Taken together, the lower on-feed inventory, reduced placements, and softer marketings underscore the ongoing supply contraction in the cattle industry as feedlots continue to work through historically tight numbers.
