Cattle in Feedlots off sharply last Month

Cattle feedlot placements dropped sharply last month  while March marketings increased leaving a big drop in the number of cattle on feed April 1, 2020.

First quarter placements were the fewest since 2015 while marketings during the January/March period were the largest since the year 2000.

Since some slaughter plants are closed it is just as well feeder cattle remain in pasture until the current crisis dissipates.

Finished cattle will likely be in tight supply this summer or fall assuming the economy is open.