WASHINGTON – Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the US increased 1 percent, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the US Department of Agriculture. Feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.7 million head on Aug. 1.

NASS said placements in feedlots during July were 10 percent below 2011 placements at 1.92 million. Net placements totaled 1.86 million head. July placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 lbs. were 500,000, 600-699 lbs. were 325,000, 700-799 lbs. were 470,000, and 800 lbs. and greater were 627,000.