News

September cattle placements fall 4%

The USDA says cattle producers placed fewer cattle into U.S. feedlots in September.

Placements came out at 2.08 million head, down 4% from September 2021, with the drought impacting many of the major U.S. feeding areas, prompting producers to put their smaller calf crops on feed.

Most of the cattle placed into U.S. feedlots weighed less than 600 pounds and up to 900 pounds and will head to market starting next spring.

September marketings were 1.86 million head, up 4% on the year as packers remain aggressive to meet demand, while the total number of cattle on feed in the U.S. on October 1^st was 11.49 million head, 1% lower than last year.

The numbers were close to expectations and look supportive for cash cattle business as long as demand holds, pointing to tighter ready numbers.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Iowa: On Feed: 600,000 head, unchanged from October 1^st, 2021; Placements: 85,000 head, 6% more than September 2021; Marketings: 73,000 head, 9% higher than a year ago

Kansas: On Feed: 2.36 million head, down 7% from October 1^st, 2021; Placements: 445,000 head, 12% less than September 2021; Marketings: 455,000 head, 5% higher than a year ago

Minnesota:  On Feed: 85,000 head, down 6% from October 1^st, 2021; Placements: 14,000 head, 26% less than September 2021; Marketings: 18,000 head, unchanged from a year ago

Nebraska: On Feed: 2.47 million head, up 4% from October 1^st, 2021; Placements: 590,000 head, 8% more than September 2021; Marketings: 480,000 head, 10% higher than a year ago

South Dakota: On Feed: 185,000 head, down 7% from October 1^st, 2021; Placements: 45,000 head, 2% more than September 2021; Marketings: 34,000 head, 21% less than a year ago