The latest USDA Cattle on Feed Report shows declines across key categories this month, with on-feed numbers, placements, and marketings each falling between 2 and 3 percent. As of May 1, 2025, the total number of U.S. cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in feedlots with a minimum capacity of 1,000 head stood at 11.4 million. During April, placements in feedlots reached 1.61 million head, a three percent drop from 2024. Net placements for the month came in at 1.56 million. Fed cattle marketings for April totaled 1.83 million head, also 3 percent below the same month last year. Meanwhile, other disappearances for April amounted to 50,000 head—down 11 percent year-over-year.
The USDA’s Cold Storage Report reveals that total red meat supplies in freezers increased by 5% from the previous month but were 6% lower than the same time last year. Beef in cold storage decreased by 2% both month-over-month and year-over-year. Frozen pork supplies rose 11% from the prior month but were down 9% compared to last year .
