May 22, 2012

Kansas' cattle number down 4%

As of May 1, the number of cattle in large Kansas feedlots was 2.08 million head, down 4% from both a year ago and April 1, which is the lowest inventory since 1999.

Placements during April totalled 300,000 head, down 21% from April 2011 and down 20% from March 2012. This is the lowest April placements since 1994 and tied with May 1996 for the lowest monthly placements since June 1994.

Marketing during April totalled 380,000 head, down 1% from April 2011 and down 4% from March 2012. This is the lowest April marketing since 1995.

The percent of April placements by weight was: under 600 pounds, 20%; 600-699 pounds, 18%; 700-799 pounds, 28%; and 800 pounds or heavier, 34%.