USA: February cattle placements drop 7% on year

Published 2023년 3월 17일

Tridge summary

The USDA has reported a 7% decrease in the number of cattle placed into U.S. feedlots in February, totaling 1.734 million head, as drought and high feed costs continue to impact the industry. This marks the sixth month of consecutive decline in placements. Marketings during February were also down 5% year-on-year at 1.735 million head. The total number of cattle in feedlots on March 1st was 5% lower than last year at 11.645 million head. State-specific data indicates declines in cattle on feed, placements, and marketings in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota. These developments are expected to have neutral to supportive implications for cash prices, depending on beef demand.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

The USDA says the number of cattle placed into U.S. feedlots in February fell sharply.The total of 1.734 million head was down 7% on the year, towards the low end of pre-report estimates, and the sixth months in a row with a decline.Drought continues to be an issue in some of the major U.S. feeding areas, feed costs are still relatively high, and a large number of cattle were pulled forward during 2022.Most of the placements were cattle weighing between 700 and 900 pounds, eventually heading to market this summer and fall.Marketings during February were 1.735 million head, a decrease of 5% on the year, and the total number of cattle in feedlots on March 1st was 11.645 million head, 5% less than last year.The numbers look neutral to supportive for cash prices, but that will also depend on beef demand.Comparisons for Brownfield states:Iowa: On Feed: 620,000 head, unchanged from March 1st, 2022; Placements: 105,000 head, 9% lower than February 2022; Marketings: 103,000 head, steady ...

Source: Brownfield Ag