Cattle placements and marketings during July were the lowest for the month on record.
The USDA says 1.42 million head of cattle were placed into feedlots last month, below pre-report expectations, and down 11% on the year. That strong decline is due to ongoing drought in some of the major feeding areas, along with the generally tight supply of cattle.
July marketings were 1.62 million head, 7% less than last year.
The total number of cattle on feed in the U.S. on August 1st 2026 was up 2% at 11.11 million head.
The numbers look supportive to cash, wholesale, and futures prices, but that will also depend on sustained demand.
In South Dakota, cattle on feed were 210,000 head, up 11% from August 1st, of 2025. Placements were 16,000 head, 27% lower than a year ago; while marketings of 30,000 head, are 14% less than last year.
