Cattle Placements In Feedlots Lower To Start May

The latest USDA Cattle on Feed report shows more tightening of cattle and beef supplies nationwide.

“We have relatively smaller inventories in feedlots, relative to a year ago, with fewer placements and fewer marketings," said Livestock analyst Michael McConnell.  "That's reflective of the overall tighter cattle situation than what we've seen the past couple of years.”

As of May 1st, there were 11.4 million head of fed cattle and calves placed at feedlots reflects a 2% year-over-year decrease.

“Lower placements reflective of relatively limited supplies of cattle outside feedlots available to come in as feeder cattle, which is also reflecting relatively high prices that we're seeing for feeder cattle as well,” McConnell added.  

Numbers, he noted, were also directly impacted by less placements marketings of fed cattle down from the previous year, due to tighter supplies.  The USDA report also indicated strong demand in higher beef steer and wholesale beef prices.

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