The USDA says the number of cattle in U.S. feedlots on July 1st was 11.3 million head, a slight year-to-year increase.
Feedlot populations were up in Nebraska and Texas despite the widespread drought in the U.S. Plains, which has accelerated herd liquidation by some producers. The other increases for the on-feed total were outside of the more traditional feeding areas, including Arizona, California, and Washington state.
That feedlot total was larger than expected despite a relatively fast slaughter rate during most of June and the higher than a year ago marketings, which were up 2% at more than 2 million head.
