Cattle supplies across the United States continue to tighten, according to new federal agriculture data that shows significant drops in both feedlot activity and market-ready livestock.
Federal agriculture officials report that U.S. feedlots received 1.736 million head of cattle in January 2026, representing a 5% decrease from the same month in 2025. The majority of these incoming animals were classified as lighter and middle weight cattle.
The situation appears even more pronounced when examining cattle ready for sale. Marketing numbers reached 1.626 million head during the reporting period, marking a substantial 13% year-over-year decline.
These trends suggest that tight cattle supplies will likely persist in the coming months, potentially affecting beef prices and availability for consumers throughout the region.
