In the November National Agricultural Statistics Service “Cattle on Feed” report, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported the number of cattle on feed above a year-ago level for the first time since August 2012.

 According to the report released late Nov. 21, a total of 10.633 million head of cattle were in U.S. feedlots with a capacity 1,000 head or larger on November 1, 2014, up slightly from last year (figure).

During the month of October, placements in feedlot totaled 2.36 million, down 1% from 2013.  This marks the second lowest total for the month of October since the report series began in 1996. 

 Breaking down the placements by weight, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 690,000, 600-699 pounds were 570,000, 700-799 pounds were 462,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 635,000.

Market analysts expected the October placements to be down from last year as much as 6-7% since October 2013 placements total was unusually high and given the number of available feeders is currently extremely low.  However, the USDA reported only 1% decline which should create for interesting trading days ahead.

In addition, the USDA calculated the marketings of fed cattle during October totaled 1.69 million, 8% below October 2013 and the lowest level since 1996.