Fed cattle weights are on track to rise more than 2% this year, following a 2.5% increase last year. There has not been an instance in the past 60-plus years when fed cattle weights increased by more than 2% in two consecutive years. In early September 2025, the average dressed weight was 958 pounds, just 2 pounds shy of the record set a year ago. The supply of cattle with 150-plus days on feed as of Sept. 1 was 19% higher than a year ago. The seasonal rise in weights, combined with the larger share of long-fed cattle, almost guarantees a new record this year. Through early September, the average steer weight was 945 pounds, 24 pounds (+2.6%) heavier than a year ago and 47 pounds (+5.2%) heavier than two years ago.

Record weights are likely to produce a record amount of fat trim per head. Fat trim accounts for roughly 10% of beef harvested from a steer carcass, and when weights run this heavy, the percentage increases. A USDA report noted that in July 2025 about 21% of fed steers and heifers graded yield grade 4 or 5. The higher the yield grade, the more fat is harvested. Last November, more than 25% of graded carcasses were YG4 and YG5. This year could be even higher.