Here are 5 takeaways from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service Sept. 22 Cattle on Feed report.

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.5 million head on Sept. 1, 2017. This is 4% higher than a year ago.

Placements in feedlots during August totaled 1.93 million head, 3% higher than 2016. Net placements were 1.88 million head.

During August, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 360,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 285,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 418,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 485,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 270,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 110,000 head.

Marketings of fed cattle during August totaled 1.98 million head, 6% higher than 2016. This is the number of cattle shipped out of feedlots to slaughter. 

Other disappearance totaled 49,000 head during August, 20% higher than 2016. This includes death loss and movements of cattle to other feedlots or pastures.

Source: USDA NASS