No Oct. 1 Cattle on Feed Report

Oct. 1 Cattle on Feed Report Falls Victim to Shutdown; Private Analysts See Cattle on Feed Down 2%, Placements Down 9%

ShayLe Stewart
By  ShayLe Stewart , DTN Livestock Analyst
USDA didn't release its Oct. 1 Cattle on Feed as originally scheduled on Friday due to the ongoing government shutdown. (DTN/Progressive Farmer file photo)

OMAHA (DTN) -- USDA didn't release its Oct. 1 Cattle on Feed as originally scheduled on Oct. 24 due to the ongoing government shutdown. That doesn't have much effect on the market today, but it will mean that the industry will be watching closely for next month's report on Nov. 21.

As mentioned in my preview comments, the "estimated" report figures from private analytical firms showed the same story the market has seen in the past months: On-feed totals remain about steady with a year ago, as cattle are spending more time on feed. And placements are lower, as there is a historic low in the U.S. beef cow herd, and the border remains closed between the U.S. and Mexico amid ongoing concerns about New World screwworm. Marketings were also estimated to be slightly weaker, as packers want to slow up the fed cash cattle market.

Because there was no report in October, whenever the next report is shared, the industry will pay closer attention.

USDA Actual Average Estimate* Range
On Feed Oct. 1 NA 98.1% 97.4-98.4%
Placed in September NA 91.3% 88.1-94.0%
Marketed in September NA 96.2% 93.0-97.2%
* Estimates compiled by Dow Jones.
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ShayLe Stewart

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