By Scout Nelson
Kansas feedlots with capacities of 1,000 or more head reported 2.29 million cattle on feed as of May 1, according to the latest data from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This number reflects a slight decrease compared to the same time last year.
Cattle placements in April reached 380,000 head, marking a 3 percent increase from April 2024. This suggests a modest rise in the number of young cattle being added to feedlots for fattening before market.
However, the report also showed that fed cattle marketings — the number of cattle sent to slaughter — totaled 420,000 head in April. This figure represents a 9 percent decline compared to last year, indicating a slowdown in cattle movement out of feedlots.
Other disappearance, which includes cattle that died or were removed for reasons other than marketing, stood at 10,000 head for April. This figure remains unchanged from the previous year.
The overall decline in cattle on feed reflects evolving market trends and supply dynamics within the beef industry. While placements are up, the drop in marketings shows that producers may be holding cattle longer or responding to shifts in demand and processing capacity.
The USDA’s monthly cattle report offers valuable insights into livestock production trends, helping producers, processors, and agricultural stakeholders make informed decisions.
These updates play a key role in monitoring herd sizes, anticipating beef supply levels, and understanding the economic pressures affecting the cattle sector across Kansas and beyond.
The next update on cattle on feed inventories will offer a clearer picture of seasonal trends and ongoing shifts in feedlot activity.
Photo Credit:istock-123ducu
Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle