Cattle On Feed Up Two Percent
In Seven Main Feeding States

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter Aug. 1 in the seven leading feeding states totaled 7.71 million head, up two percent from last year and 22 percent above Aug. 1, 1996.

Seven-state placements for July totaled 1.68 million, down four percent from a year earlier but 13 percent above the same period two years ago.

July marketings for the seven states came to 1.76 million, five percent below July 1997 but five percent above July of 1996.

Other disappearance totaled 41,000 head, two percent fewer than last year and down 11 percent from 1996.

USDA’s broader national tally of feedlots with a capacity of 1000 or more head showed 8.99 million cattle on feed Aug. 1, two percent above a year ago and 19 percent above Aug. 1, 1996.

July placements in the broader count came to 1.93 million head, down three percent from last year but 10 percent above July 1996, net placements 1.88 million. Placement of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds totaled 302,000 head; 600-699 pounds 477,000; 700-799 pounds 636,000; and 800 pounds and heavier 511,000.

July marketings in the larger count came to 2.05 million, three percent below last year but four percent above July of 1996.

Other disappearance totaled 50,000 head in July, 12 percent fewer than in July of last year and 19 percent below two years ago.

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

Cattle on feed: Arizona 196,000 head, up 11 percent; California 395,000, up four percent; Colorado 840,000, down seven percent; Iowa 245,000, down nine percent; Kansas 1,930,000, down three percent; Nebraska 1,460,000, down three percent; Texas 2,640,000, up 14 percent.

Placements: Arizona 21,000, down 19 percent; California 55,000, up 22 percent; Colorado 225,000, down four percent; Iowa 26,000, down 42 percent; Kansas 530,000, down seven percent; Nebraska 290,000, down 22 percent; Texas 530,000, up 15 percent.

Marketings: Arizona 25,000, down 34 percent; California 45,000, down 10 percent; Colorado 260,000, up four percent; Iowa 45,000, down 27 percent; Kansas 460,000, down 12 percent; Nebraska 420,000, up five percent; Texas 500,000, down seven percent.