Cattle On Feed Down 3 Percent
In Seven Main Feeding States

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter Feb. 1 in the seven leading feeding states totaled 8.91 million head, down three percent from a year ago but one percent above Feb. 1, 1997.

Seven-state placements during January came to 1.67 million, 12 percent more than in January 1998 and slightly above the same period two years ago.

January marketings in the seven states totaled 1.74 million, up three percent and one percent, respectively, from last year and the year before.

Other disappearance was 47,000 head, down 40 percent from last year and 28 percent from January 1997.

USDA's broader national tally of feedlots with a capacity of 1000 or more head found 10.5 million head on feed Feb. 1, three percent below a year ago but two percent above the same date two years ago.

January placements in the broader count came to 1.92 million head, up 11 percent and two percent, respectively; net placements were 1.85 million. Placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds totaled 379,000 head; 600-699 pounds 623,000; 700-799 pounds 599,000; and 800 pounds and heavier 322,000.

January marketings in the national tally came to 2.02 million, two percent above January 1998 and slightly above the same period in 1997.

Other disappearance totaled 70,000 head, down 29 and 24 percent.

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

Cattle on feed: Arizona 202,000, down eight percent; California 385,000, down three percent; Colorado 1,140,000, up four percent; Iowa 350,000, down four percent; Kansas 2,020,000, down eight percent; Nebraska 2,150,000, unchanged; Texas 2,660,000, down four percent.

Placements: Arizona 25,000, up 19 percent; California 45,000, down 10 percent; Colorado 260,000, up 13 percent; Iowa 56,000, up 22 percent; Kansas 410,000, up 14 percent; Nebraska 450,000, up 15 percent; Texas 425,000, up eight percent.

Marketings: Arizona 28,000, up 17 percent; California 55,000, up 10 percent; Colorado 250,000, up nine percent; Iowa 40,000, unchanged; Kansas 490,000, up four percent; Nebraska 400,000, unchanged; Texas 475,000, unchanged.