See event listings and more articles in this edition of Agri-News: May 30, 2022 issue
“The May 1, 2022 USDA release of cattle and calves on feed for U.S. feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head reported 12 million head,” says Ann Boyda, provincial livestock market analyst with the Alberta government. “This inventory was the highest May 1 inventory since 1996, representing a 2% increase over May 1, 2021. The report suggests that the drought in the U.S. is affecting the flow of cattle from grass to feedlots.”
Canfax has similarly reported high cattle on feed inventories with placements above year ago levels in March and April.
“Alberta and Saskatchewan cattle on feed inventories have been running above year ago levels since August 2021. In April, disappearance numbers were down as cattle typically destined for grass stayed in the feedlot to be finished,” says Brenna Grant, executive director with Canfax.
Image 1. Alberta/Saskatchewan Cattle on Feed
Source: Canfax
“Variable dry conditions across the province, especially in the south, may be a factor in some producers’ decisions,” explains Boyda. “Placements remain steady, keeping feedlot inventory numbers at high levels. Slaughter levels will likely be larger in the 6 to 8 month window from March and then slow down by early 2023.”
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Contact
For more information, connect with Anna Boyda at 780-422-4088.
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