National Herd Remains Contracted

USDA’s April Cattle on Feed Report showed the herd size remains smaller year-over-year, but indicates efforts continue to build up inventory.

“The number of cattle on feed and feed lots on April 1st was 11.64 million ahead. This was about 2% below a year ago," said USDA livestock analyst Anthony Fischer. . The report showed an increase in placements, which was within the range that industry analysts were expecting. The number of cattle placed in feedlots was about 1.84 million ahead, which was about 5% above 2024.”

Fischer added marketings of fed cattle also represented a 1% increase year-over-year.

“It's worth noting that April also gives us a breakout of cattle on feed for heifer and steers on April 1st, there were 4.38 million head of heifer and heifer calves on feed, which was about 4% below a year ago,” Fischer said.

With a lower percentage of heifer and heifer calves making up the total cattle and feedlot population than one year ago.

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