Cattle on Feed Down 7 Percent

Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head was down 7 percent compared to a year ago. This was the fifth straight month the figure was less than the previous year. The inventory was 10.13 million head.

August placements into feedlots during totaled 2.22 million, 1 percent above 2001 but 9 percent below 2000.  Net placements were 2.18 million.  During August, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 525,000, 600-699 pounds were 483,000, 700-799 pounds were 625,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 585,000.

August marketings of fed cattle totaled 2.14 million, 2 percent below 2001 and 3 percent below 2000.

Cattle on feed in the historic 7 States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 8.85 million, down 6 percent from the previous year and 1 percent below two years ago.

August placements totaled 1.94 million, 2 percent above 2001 but 7 percent below 2000.  Marketings totaled 1.81 million, 3 percent below 2001 and 5 percent below 2000.