WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The number of cattle in U.S. feedlots was slightly lower than in October last year, while placements and marketings fell to record lows in September, according to the latest USDA Cattle on Feed report.
USDA reported 11.372 million head of cattle and calves on feed for slaughter as of October 1, down slightly from 11.418 million head a year earlier.
September placements totaled 1.777 million head, down 12 percent from the previous year and the lowest September total since the series began in 1996.
Net placements were 1.73 million head. Marketings of fed cattle during September totaled 1.524 million head, down 7 percent from a year earlier. That was also the lowest September total in the series’ history.
The report points to continued tightness in cattle supplies, with fewer animals entering feedlots and fewer fed cattle moving to market compared with a year ago.
