June 23, 2014

Cattle and calves on feed, which are bound for the slaughter market and feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head in the US, have reached 10.6 million head on June 1, 2014. 

The figure represents a 2% drop in inventory compared to June 1, 2013.

Placements in feedlots during May totaled 1.91 million, 7% below 2013. Net placements were 1.81 million head. During May, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 435,000. In addition, there are 290,000 for 600-699 pounds animals, 290,000 for 700-799 pounds types, and 477,000 for 800 pounds types. Those exceeding the mentioned weights were 710,000.

Marketing of fed cattle during May totaled 1.87 million, 4% below 2013. May marketing are the lowest for the month since the series began in 1996.