Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 11/20/17



Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.3 million head on Nov. 1, up 6 percent from the same date in 2016. This was in line with analysts’ expectations of a 5.7 percent bump.

“Though that year-over-year increase is large, compared to the longer-term average, it is consistent with the growing U.S. calf crop in recent years,” according to the Daily Livestock Report, published by Steiner Consulting Group. “Year-over-year increases in the inventory of animals in feedlots should continue throughout 2018.”

Placements in feedlots during October totaled 2.39 million head, 10 percent above 2016, and higher than the average analysts’ expectation of a 7.1 percent boost. Net placements were 2.32 million head.

During October, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 675,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 590,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 510,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 368,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 160,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 90,000 head.

Marketings of fed cattle during October totaled 1.80 million head, 6 percent above 2016, in line with analysts’ expectations.

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