U.S. cattle placements down 3% in December

U.S. cattle placements fell during December.

The USDA says 1.642 million cattle entered U.S. feedlots last month, a decline 3% on the year. That was below the range of pre-report expectations, reflecting the small size of the cow herd and the more aggressive placements earlier in the year.

December marketings of 1.742 million head were 1% higher as producers tried to take advantage of cash cattle price strength, while the total number of cattle on feed in the U.S. at the start of 2025 was 11.823 million head, down 1% from last year.

Overall, the numbers look neutral to maybe a little friendly for cash, wholesale, and futures prices, but that will also depend on demand.

The USDA’s annual cattle inventory numbers are out Friday, January 31st at 3 Eastern/2 Central.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Iowa: On feed: 650,000 head, up 3% from January 1st, 2024; Placements: 86,000 head, 4% higher than December 2023; Marketings: 95,000 head, 3% more than last year

Kansas: On feed: 2.4 million head, down 3% from January 1st, 2024; Placements: 410,000 head, 4% higher than December 2023; Marketings: 420,000 head, 4% more than last year