WASHINGTON, DC – Feedlot inventories held mostly steady in March, but sharply lower marketings signal tighter near-term cattle supplies and continued support for higher prices.
USDA reports 11.55 million head of cattle on feed as of March 1, essentially unchanged from a year ago. February placements totaled 1.61 million head, up 4 percent, with most cattle entering feedlots in the 700-899 pound range. That suggests continued feeder availability as we move into finishing systems.
Operationally, marketings dropped to 1.52 million head, down 7 percent from last year and the second lowest February level since 1996. Slower movement out of feedlots is keeping more cattle on feed longer, contributing to heavier weights and delayed beef production timing. Other disappearance also declined, indicating relatively stable herd conditions.
Regionally, major feeding states including Texas, Nebraska, and Kansas remain near year-ago levels, with only minor shifts in inventory distribution across the Plains.
Looking ahead, tighter marketings and steady placements point to constrained beef supplies in the near term, reinforcing strong cattle prices while packer margins remain under pressure.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Lower marketings support higher cattle price outlook.