Cattle On Feed Down 3 Percent
In Seven Main Feeding States

WASHINGTON — Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter April 1 in the seven leading feeding states totaled 8.61 million head, three percent fewer than on the same date last year, but four percent above the figure for April 1, 1996.

The inventory included 5.25 million steers and steer calves, down three percent from last year, and 3.33 million heifers, also down three percent.

Seven-state placements during March totaled 1.42 million head, down 16 percent from last year and 15 percent fewer than in March 1996.

March marketings for the seven states amounted to 1.58 million, seven percent above last year and seven percent above March of 1996.

Other disappearance during March came to 69,000 head, up 11 percent from last year and 23 percent above March 1996.

USDA’s broader national tally of feedlots with a capacity of 1000 head or more showed 10.11 million head on feed April 1, three percent below last year but three percent above April 1, 1996.

March placements in the broader inventory came to 1.71 million, 13 percent below last year and 12 percent below 1996. Net placements were 1.61 million head. Placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds totaled 223,000 head; 600-699 pounds 447,000; 700-799 pounds 606,000; and 800 pounds and heavier 432,000.

March marketings in the larger count totaled 1.87 million, six percent above last year and seven percent above 1996.

Other disappearance during March was 94,000 head, nine percent above last year and 24 percent above March 1996.

Statistics for the seven leading feeding states, compared to a year ago:

Cattle on feed: Arizona 212,000 head, down five percent; California 370,000, down three percent; Colorado 1,000,000, down eight percent; Iowa 325,000, down four percent; Kansas 2,100,000, down seven percent; Nebraska 2,060,000, up one percent; Texas 2,540,000, down one percent.

Placements: Arizona 25,000, down 26 percent; California 50,000, down 23 percent; Colorado 190,000, down 10 percent; Iowa 26,000, down 35 percent; Kansas 360,000, down 18 percent; Nebraska 290,000, down nine percent; Texas 480,000, down 18 percent.

Marketings: Arizona 25,000, down 24 percent; California 45,000, down 10 percent; Colorado 210,000, up 27 percent; Iowa 50,000, down seven percent; Kansas 360,000, down three percent; Nebraska 340,000, up five percent; Texas 550,000, up 10 percent.