Cattle Market ?Lean and Mean?

by | Nov 22, 2016 | 5 Ag Stories, News

by Ken Root

Dr. Peel, Oklahoma State University Livestock Economist, offered his in-depth analysis of the November edition of the monthly Cattle on Feed report, released last Friday by USDA.

“Feedlots continued a strong marketing pace in October with marketings up 4.6 percent year over year, despite one less business day in the month. October placements followed the September monthly decrease with another 5 percent reduction in placements year over year. The combination of large marketings and fewer placements left the November 1, 2016 cattle on feed inventory down 1.3 percent from one year ago. Despite the year over year decreases in placements in September and October, total feedlot placements are up 673,000 head from 2015, a 3.9 percent increase for the year to date. However, year to date feedlot marketings through October are up an impressive 5.2 percent year over year, some 855,000 head more than the same period last year. In fact, in the last six months, the year over year increase in feedlot marketings has been more than double the increase in the number of cattle placed in feedlots compared to last year.

“The faster pace of cattle movement through feedlots has translated in more cattle slaughter and more beef production in 2016 than previously expected. Year to date beef production is up 5.3 percent from last year. Steer slaughter, in particular, has exceeded expectations this fall and is up nearly 7 percent year over year so far this year, though is expected to moderate to smaller year over year increases for the remainder of the year. Additional steer slaughter, combined with year over year increases in heifer and cow slaughter have pushed total cattle slaughter up 5.6 percent so far this year. Increased slaughter is partially offset with lower carcass weights since May. Weekly steer carcass weights have averaged 9 pounds less since May with heifer and cow carcass weights down about 2 pounds on a weekly average basis. Carcass weights have been down from last year’s record levels despite excellent feeding conditions this fall. Both steer and heifer carcass weights appear to have peaked seasonally the last week of October and should decline for the remainder of the year. The first winter storm which covered the central and northern plains last week may help pull carcass weights down faster in November.

Thanks to Ron Hays of the Rural Oklahoma Network for this interview.