By Scout Nelson
2.21 million cattle were on feed as of August 1, according to Kansas feedlots that can handle 1,000 or more head of cattle. This is a 6% drop from the same time last year. The National Agricultural Statistics Service of the USDA provided this data, which shows how the cattle industry has changed throughout the year.
In terms of cattle placements during July, there was a slight increase with 425,000 head, up 4% from 2023. This suggests a higher number of younger and typically lighter cattle entering feedlots, possibly due to varying market conditions or changes in feed prices.
Conversely, fed cattle marketings, which refer to cattle being sold or slaughtered, totaled 425,000 head for the same month, showing a 6% decline from the previous year. This drop could be attributed to various factors including market demand and meat processing rates.
The report also noted that other disappearances, which could include deaths, thefts, or errors in counting, remained stable with 10,000 heads, unchanged from last year.
These statistics are crucial for farmers, market analysts, and policymakers as they provide insights into the agricultural trends and economic health of the cattle industry in Kansas.
For more detailed data and additional agricultural statistics, access the national publication at USDA Library or visit the USDA’s statistics website at www.nass.usda.gov. This information helps stakeholders make informed decisions regarding production strategies and market operations.
Photo Credit:usda
Categories: Kansas, General, Government & Policy, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle