Ongoing Drought Leading Cause for Increased Feedlot Placements

WASHINGTON, DC – The ongoing drought across the southwest is leading to a greater reduction in herd numbers across the country.

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), cattle and calves on feed as of August 1, 2022, totaled 11.2 million head, one percent year over year increase and the highest August 1 inventory in more than 25 years.

Placements totaled 1.77 million head, a two percent increase, while marketings (1.83 million head) slipped four percent compared to 2021.

Texas remains the top fed cattle state in the country, as inventories swelled to 2.85 million, a 5 percent increase, and producers placed 395 thousand head in commercial feedlots during July, up 7 percent from a year ago.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)