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Cattle on feed total falls 4% on year

The USDA says the number of cattle in U.S. feedlots declined during March.

That followed several months of lower placements into those feedlots and ready numbers being pulled ahead into slaughter because of drought in some of the major feeding areas and questions about long-term profitability. The April 1^st on feed total of 11.612 million head was down 4% from a year ago.

The number of cattle placed into feedlots in March was 1.992 million head, 1% lower than last year, with more than half of those cattle weighing between 700 and 900 pounds, heading to market this fall.

March marketings were also 1.977 million head and also 1% lower than last year, also reflecting tighter available numbers.

The numbers look neutral to friendly for cash and wholesale prices, but that will also depend on beef demand.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Iowa: On Feed: 620,000 head, unchanged from April 1^st, 2022; Placements: 109,000 head, 1% lower than March 2022; Marketings: 107,000 head, 1% less than last year

Kansas: On Feed: 2.43 million head, down 3% from April 1^st, 2022; Placements: 460,000 head, 4% lower than March 2022; Marketings: 480,000 head, unchanged from last year

Minnesota: On Feed: 95,000 head, down 5% from April 1^st, 2022; Placements: 15,000 head, steady with March 2022; Marketings: 14,000 head, unchanged from last year

Nebraska: On Feed: 2.53 million head, down 5% from April 1^st, 2022; Placements: 470,000 head, steady with March 2022; Marketings: 460,000 head, 6% lower than last year

South Dakota: On Feed: 220,000 head, down 4% from April 1^st, 2022; Placements: 44,000 head, 26% higher than March 2022; Marketings: 37,000 head, unchanged from last year