USDA Cattle on Feed Report Preview

OMAHA (DTN) -- With the federal government still shut down, it's unknown whether USDA will release the monthly Cattle on Feed report on Friday as was originally scheduled. But in the event that it is, we want to prepare our readers for what may be potentially revealed.

Like most of the Cattle on Feed reports in recent months, the story remains the same: On-feed totals linger close to year-ago levels, as cattle are spending more and more time on feed. Placements will likely be sharply lower than compared to a year ago, as the border between U.S. and Mexico remains closed, and domestic supplies remain at a historic 74-year low. And marketings will likely be a tick lighter than a year ago, as packers have been trying to lessen their immediate need for the cash market.

It's unlikely that the report -- if it is released -- will unveil anything earthshaking. But even so, watch for updates on Friday afternoon in case the report is released.

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The Oct. 1 Cattle on Feed was originally scheduled for release at 2 p.m. CDT on Friday. However, with much of the federal government, including USDA, still shut down, it is unclear whether the report will be released.

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

ShayLe Stewart can be reached at ShayLe.Stewart@dtn.com

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