July's Cattle on Feed Report

Last week's USDA Cattle on Feed Report gave a 2 percent increase above a year ago of cattle on feed across the U.S. at 10.2 million head. USDA Shayle Shagam provides an overview of national information.

Shagam: "During July producers placed about 1.6 million head, which was 2 percent above a year earlier. During July feedlots marketed about 1.7 million head, which was about 1 percent below a year earlier. However, we do have to recognize that during July there were two fewer slaughter days so that number is artificial low given the fact that there were fewer slaughter days to market those animals."

In our region, states reported lower number of cattle on feed than a month ago.

In Idaho, the number of cattle on feed was 230,000 head, which 2 percent lower than the previous month, but up 5 percent from a year ago. An estimated 34,000 head were placed on feed down 11 percent from the previous month and 8 percent lower compared to a year earlier.

In Washington, the number of cattle on feed was at 190,000 head which was 3 percent lower than the previous month as well as 10 percent lower than a year ago. An estimated 30,000 head were placed on feed down 27 percent from the previous month and down 18 percent compared to a year earlier.

In Colorado, the number of cattle on feed in feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or greater was estimated at 810,000 head as of August first. That was 5 percent below the previous month's inventory, but 3 percent above a year ago. An estimated 115,000 cattle and calves were placed on feed during July, 10 percent above the previous month's placements and 28 percent above a year ago.