The United States had 11.3 million head of cattle and calves on feed for slaughter as of July 1, 2024, a 1% increase from the previous year, according to the USDA NASS report. The inventory included 6.82 million steers and steer calves and 4.48 million heifers and heifer calves. Placements in feedlots during June were 7% below 2023 at 1.56 million head, while marketings of fed cattle were 9% below 2023 at 1.79 million head, marking the second lowest for June since 1996. The report was viewed as neutral by DTN Livestock Analyst ShayLe Stewart, who discussed the potential market implications and mentioned that more feeder cattle were marketed early this year than normal.