Cattle and calves on feed for the U.S. slaughter market in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.6 million head on June 1, 2018, which is 4% higher than June 1, 2017. This is the highest June 1 inventory since the series began in 1996.

Placements in feedlots during May totaled 2.12 million head, slightly above 2017. Net placements were 2.05 million head. During May, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 445,000 head; 600-699 pounds were 340,000 head; 700 to 799 pounds were 480,000 head; 800 to 899 pounds were 524,000 head; 900 to 999 pounds were 235,000 head and 1,000 pounds and greater were 100,000 head.

Marketings of fed cattle during May totaled 2.06 million head, 5% higher than 2017.