News

Cattle on feed up 5%

 

The USDA reports there were 11.558 million cattle in U.S. feedlots at the start of the month. That’s up 5% on the year and the second highest total for May 1st since the series of reports started in 1996, as the industry continues to expand in response to demand expectations. Nebraska had the highest total number of cattle on feed, followed closely by Texas.

Placements on feed during April 2018 were 1.695 million head, down 8% from the large April 2017 total. Marketings were 6% higher at 1.803 million head, as the higher placements from late last year and early this year head to slaughter. Other disappearances declined 5% to 63,000 head as weather conditions improved in many of the major feeding areas.

Overall, the numbers were close to expectations and look neutral.