WASHINGTON – Cattle on feed for slaughter totaled 10.6 million head on Nov. 1, a 6 percent increase from a year ago, the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Statistics Service reported. Additionally, placements in feedlots during October totaled 2.39 million, up 10 percent compared to 2012.

Net placements totaled 2.32 million head, NASS said. October placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 lbs. were 720,000, 600-699 lbs. were 584,000, 700-799 lbs. were 510,000 and 800 lbs. and greater were 580,000, according to NASS.


Lower prices for feed grains resulted in more cattle entering feed yards. Also, a seasonal increase in cattle placements occurs as major grazing areas becomes covered with snow and cattle transition to feed.

Marketings of fed cattle during October climbed 1 percent to 1.86 million while other disappearance during October eased 4 percent to 75,000.