March 21, 2008

Canadian cattle on feed reaches lowest level since 2004

Cattle on feed numbers for terminal feedlots with 1,000 or more head in the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan on March 1, 2008 totaled 890,475 head, the lowest March cattle on feed number since 2004, according to CanFax.

The figure was 13.3 percent less than one year ago and was 14.2 percent less than two years ago.

Cattle placed on feed during February equaled 181,934 head, which was down 13.4 percent from one year ago but was up 8.0 percent over two years ago. The number of steers placed on feed during February equaled 104,876 head, which comprised 57.6 percent of the total.

Heifers placed on feed numbered 77,058 head. More specifically, placements of feeder cattle declined from a year ago in each weight category. Placements of feeder cattle weighing less than 600 pounds totaled 15,802 head, which was 11.2 percent less than a year ago. 

Feeder cattle placements weighing more than 800 pounds were 9.3 percent less than a year ago, amounting to 77,947 head.

In February, Canada's fed cattle marketings equaled 158,414 head, 19.7 percent less than one year ago but was 2.9 percent more than two years ago.