Source: FARM DOC DAILY, UNIV. OF ILLINOIS, 2/4/19


Normally, at this time of year, the Cattle industry focuses on information contained in the USDA’s January 1 estimates of the U.S. cattle herd. The inventory report provides a wealth of information to market participants including estimates of the all cattle and calves inventory, and both the beef and dairy cow inventories as well as an estimate of the prior year’s calf crop. This year, however, USDA extended the data collection period because of the government shutdown and the inventory estimates will be provided as of January 31, instead of January 1, with the report scheduled for release on February 28. As a result, we’re left to speculate regarding what information the report might contain.

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