Michael McConnell

With cattle placements slowing down, there's a shift happening in the feedlot world that might catch many by surprise. Here's what you need to know.

The U.S. cattle inventory and feedlots continues to contract. Latest USDA numbers show the herd is 2% smaller than it was this time last year.

Based on USDA’s latest cattle on feed report, feedlot inventory continues to contract. There was over 11M head of cattle on feed as of September 1st.

The USDA will release its semiannual Cattle Report Friday afternoon, and this report is drawing a lot of interest for a variety of reasons.

Cattle inventories are shifting in surprising ways. Let’s break down what that means for local ranchers and farmers.

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 ...

USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell said there are top factors influencing the beef market right now.   “Strong beef demand and good, good prices for calves and feeder cattle," he noted.  McConnell says the price and demand signals in the marketplace are keeping the beef market in a contraction mode.  Friday's USDA Catt...

The USDA released the most recent Cattle on Feed report Friday.  So, what do the numbers tell the industry?   “The main story that that we see right now is that placements are still very strong despite the fact that cattle inventories are relatively tight,” said USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell.  He added producers continued ...