Where Montana Cattle Go
Tracking Montana Feeder Cattle to Out-of-State Feedlots
⚠️ Data Limitation: Montana Not Individually Reported
Montana cattle placements are NOT tracked separately in USDA Cattle on Feed reports.
The monthly USDA NASS “Cattle on Feed” report individually tracks only 11 major feeding states:
- Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wyoming
Montana’s feedlot placements are aggregated into the “Other States” category because Montana has relatively few large commercial feedlots (1,000+ head capacity).
Why Montana isn’t reported: Montana is primarily a cow-calf state, not a feeding state. Most Montana feeder cattle are shipped to large commercial feedlots in Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas for finishing.
Montana Cattle Marketing Flow
Montana produces approximately 1.25 million calves annually. Here’s where they go:
1. Retained for Breeding (15-18%): ~200,000-225,000 head
- Replacement heifers kept to rebuild cow herds
- Some bull calves retained as breeding stock
2. Backgrounded in Montana, Then Shipped (15-20%): ~190,000-250,000 head
- Calves weaned in fall, backgrounded through winter
- Sold as yearlings (600-800 lbs) in spring
- Shipped to feedlots in CO, NE, KS, TX
3. Shipped Directly as Calves (60-65%): ~750,000-813,000 head
- Weaned calves (400-600 lbs) sold in fall
- Shipped immediately to out-of-state feedlots or backgrounding operations
- Primary destinations: Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas
Primary Destination States for Montana Feeder Cattle
1. Colorado Feedlots
Estimated 30-40% of Montana feeder cattle
Why Colorado: Geographic proximity, established cattle corridors, large feedlot capacity in northeastern Colorado (Weld, Morgan, Logan counties).
Feedlot inventory (Dec 2025): Colorado had 1.0 million head on feed, down 15% year-over-year.
Typical Montana cattle: 500-700 lb calves placed in October-December for 120-150 day finishing.
2. Nebraska Feedlots
Estimated 25-35% of Montana feeder cattle
Why Nebraska: Largest feeding state by capacity, competitive freight rates, corn-growing region with lower feed costs.
Feedlot inventory (Dec 2025): Nebraska had 2.4 million head on feed, up 2% year-over-year.
Typical Montana cattle: Lighter-weight calves (400-550 lbs) placed for longer feeding periods (180+ days).
3. Kansas Feedlots
Estimated 15-25% of Montana feeder cattle
Why Kansas: Second-largest feeding state, established supply chains, proximity to major packers (Dodge City, Garden City).
Feedlot inventory (Dec 2025): Kansas inventory steady year-over-year at ~2.3 million head.
Typical Montana cattle: Medium-weight feeders (550-700 lbs), backgrounded cattle.
4. Texas Feedlots
Estimated 5-10% of Montana feeder cattle
Why Texas: Panhandle feedlots (Amarillo region), some Montana cattle move south.
Feedlot inventory (Dec 2025): Texas had 2.6 million head on feed, down 9% year-over-year.
Understanding the National Feeding System
| Feeding State | Feedlot Inventory (Jan 1, 2026) | Change vs. 2025 | % of US Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 2.6 million head | -9% | 23% |
| Nebraska | 2.4 million head | +2% | 21% |
| Kansas | 2.3 million head | 0% | 20% |
| Colorado | 1.0 million head | -15% | 9% |
| Iowa | 0.6 million head | +5% | 5% |
| Other States | 2.6 million head | Various | 23% |
| US TOTAL | 11.5 million head | -3% | 100% |
Source: USDA NASS Cattle on Feed Report, January 24, 2026
Key Insights
1. Montana is a Feeder Cattle Exporter: With 1.25 million beef cows producing ~1.25 million calves annually, and minimal in-state feedlot capacity, Montana ships the vast majority of its feeder cattle out of state.
2. Geographic Advantage = Colorado Preference: Montana ranchers shipping cattle to Colorado benefit from lower freight costs (~$8-12/cwt) compared to Nebraska or Kansas (~$12-18/cwt). This makes Colorado the primary destination despite recent inventory declines.
3. Seasonal Shipping Patterns: Montana cattle movement peaks in October-November (fall weaned calves) and April-May (spring yearlings). This aligns with national feedlot placement patterns.
4. Weight-Based Destination Decisions:
- Light calves (400-550 lbs): Nebraska (long-fed cattle)
- Medium calves (550-700 lbs): Colorado, Kansas (120-150 day programs)
- Heavy yearlings (700-850 lbs): Colorado, Kansas, Texas (short-fed cattle)
5. Marketing Channel Matters:
- Public auctions: Typically lighter-weight, commingled cattle → broader destination mix
- Video auctions: Heavier, preconditioned cattle → Nebraska, Kansas preference
- Private treaty: Large load lots, reputation cattle → premium feedlot programs (often Colorado)
🎯 Why Montana Brand Inspection Data Is Critical
Because Montana cattle placements are NOT tracked in USDA Cattle on Feed reports, the ONLY comprehensive source for Montana cattle movement is Montana brand inspection records.
What brand inspection data shows:
- Total head leaving Montana by county of origin
- Destination state for each shipment
- Buyer type (feedlot, auction, backgrounder)
- Seasonal patterns by origin/destination
This data is NOT published online in detail but is available through public records request to the Montana Department of Livestock, Brands Enforcement Division.
Honest Cattle is requesting this data to provide complete visibility into Montana cattle marketing.
Data Sources & Methodology
USDA Cattle on Feed Reports: Monthly reports published by USDA NASS showing feedlot inventory and placements for major feeding states. Montana is aggregated into “Other States” category.
Montana Cattle Flow Estimates: Based on Montana beef cow inventory (USDA NASS), typical calf crop rates (100%), replacement rates (15-18%), and industry knowledge of Montana cattle marketing patterns.
Destination State Percentages: Estimates based on industry surveys, freight rate analysis, and Montana State University Extension livestock marketing research.
Limitations:
- Montana-specific placement data not published by USDA
- Destination estimates are industry-based, not official records
- Individual ranch marketing decisions vary widely
- Brand inspection data (not currently published) would provide precise answers
Sources:
• USDA NASS Cattle on Feed Reports (January 2026): www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/
• USDA NASS Montana Cattle Inventory: www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Montana/
• Montana Department of Livestock: liv.mt.gov