Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 8/25/14


U.S. cattle placed on feed in July totaled 1.56 million, 7 percent below 2013. This was the fifth month in a row of year on year declines, though not as dramatic a decline as the 9.4 percent decline that market analysts on average were expecting.
For the month of July, placements are the lowest since the series began in 1996.

Net placements during July were 1.50 million. During the month, placements of cattle and calves on feed weighing less than 600 pounds totaled 425,000. Placements at 600-699 pounds were 260,000. Placements at 700-799 pounds totaled 355,000, and placements at 800 pounds and greater were 520,000.

USDA’s Cattle on Feed report showed marketings of fed cattle during July totaled 1.79 million, 9 percent below 2013. July marketings are the lowest since the series began in 1996.  On average, market analysts were expecting an 8 percent decline.

Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 9.8 million head on Aug. 1, 2014. The inventory was 2 percent below a year ago. On average, market analysts were expecting the inventory to be down about 2.5 percent, according to estimates selected by the Daily Livestock Report.

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