Weights Up, Marketings Sluggish

The August Cattle on Feed report confirmed expectations of a year-to-year increase in the number of cattle on-feed as of Aug. 1.  Surprisingly, USDA reported the number of cattle placed during July below a year ago, which pre-report estimates pegged at slightly above 2004’s numbers.  Despite a modest decline in placements, fed cattle marketings remained rather sluggish.

As of Aug. 1, there were 10.09 million head of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity, which was 2.3 percent or 224,000 more head than a year ago.  According to USDA, placements totaled 1.68 million, down about 2.4 percent from last year and 12 percent below the prior five-year average. 

Placements of heavyweight cattle (800 pounds and heavier) during July were more modest compared to prior months, but remained above 2004’s. The only other weight category to report a yearly increase was the 600-699 pound group, up 14,000 head.

Cattle feeders marketed 1.92 million head in July, basically flat with a year ago.  There was one less slaughter day in July 2005 than 2004, thus on a daily average basis feedlot marketings were up about 5 percent from last year, but were still below the prior five-year average.  The number of cattle on feed more than 120 days was estimated at 8 percent above last year.  Cattle dressed weights are averaging well above a year ago. 

Source:  Livestock Marketing Information Center