Feedlot Placements Dip Nationally, Flat In The NW

Based on USDA’s latest cattle on feed report, feedlot inventory continues to contract. Livestock analyst Michael McConnell says as of September 1st.

“There was 11.08 million head of cattle on feed with feedlots that have a capacity of larger than 1,000 head. That is 1% lower than a year ago," McConnel said.  "Placements during the month of August were 1.78 million head. That was 10% lower than a year ago. And marketings during August came in at 1.57 million head, which was 14% lower than a year ago.”

When taking a look at the trends behind the numbers, McConnell noted.

“The placement number for the month of August, that was actually the lowest that we've seen for August since 2015. So overall, we see a continuation in the trend of relatively lower placements. That's partially reflected by where we are in the cattle cycle and the fact that we have relatively small cattle inventories and beef cattle inventories, the smallest in many, many decades. Marketings were also particularly low. And really what it comes down to is we've seen an overall slowing in the overall turnover in the fed cattle market.”

In the Northwest, Washington reported 41,000 head placed in feedlots, a significant year-over-year jump, while Idaho reported 43,000 head placed in feedlots, down roughly 10% from 2024.

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