MFA Agri Services River Hills - CLICK - MFA CONNECT

     Perryville, Farmington Bulk Plant, & Ste. Genevieve, MO.

Cattle on Feed Report Preview   10/23  14:52

Status of Oct. 1 Cattle on Feed Report Unknown; Pre-Report 
Estimates Show Placements Down Sharply From 2024

By ShayLe Stewart
DTN Livestock Analyst

                      USDA Actual   Average Estimate*      Range

On Feed Oct. 1                           98.1%        97.4-98.4%
Placed in September                      91.3%        88.1-94.0%
Marketed in September                    96.2%        93.0-97.2%

* Estimates compiled by Dow Jones.

OMAHA (DTN) -- With the federal government still shut down, it's 
unknown whether USDA will release the monthly Cattle on Feed 
report on Friday as was originally scheduled. But in the event 
that it is, we want to prepare our readers for what may be 
potentially revealed.

Like most of the Cattle on Feed reports in recent months, the 
story remains the same: On-feed totals linger close to year-ago 
levels, as cattle are spending more and more time on feed. 
Placements will likely be sharply lower than compared to a year 
ago, as the border between U.S. and Mexico remains closed, and 
domestic supplies remain at a historic 74-year low. And 
marketings will likely be a tick lighter than a year ago, as 
packers have been trying to lessen their immediate need for the 
cash market.

It's unlikely that the report -- if it is released -- will 
unveil anything earthshaking. But even so, watch for updates on 
Friday afternoon in case the report is released. 

**

The Oct. 1 Cattle on Feed was originally scheduled for release 
at 2 p.m. CDT on Friday. However, with much of the federal 
government, including USDA, still shut down, it is unclear 
whether the report will be released.

ShayLe Stewart can be reached at ShayLe.Stewart@dtn.com