A June report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows the number of cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the U.S. for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.8 million head on June 1, 2022. The inventory was 1 percent above June 1, 2021. This is the highest June 1 inventory since the series began in 1996.
But, it also shows placements in feedlots during May totaled 1.87 million head, 2 percent below 2021. Gary Crawford notes the new report gives signs of tightening cattle supplies.
Placements in feedlots during May totaled 1.87 million head, 2 percent below 2021. Net placements were 1.79 million head. During May, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 370,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 270,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 465,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 469,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 220,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 75,000 head.
Marketing’s of fed cattle during May totaled 1.91 million head, 2 percent above 2021.