The USDA’s latest Cattle on Feed report, published May 24, showed that 1.87 million head of fed cattle were marketed in April, a more than 10% increase from the same period last year.

The May Feed Outlook report shows U.S. feed grain production is projected to be lower than a year ago due to lower expected acreage in 2024-25. Although production is down, the supply of feed grain is projected to be above the 2023-24 level.

The May World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report (WASDE) showed the first forecast for the 2024-25 crop marketing year. The corn crop is projected at 14.9 billion bushels, down 3% from last year’s record as a decline in area is partially offset by an increase in yield.

The April Feed Outlook report shows the 2023-24 U.S. corn ending stocks are reduced on higher domestic use. U.S. corn ending stocks are lower this month after upward adjustments for corn ethanol and feed and residual use.

The April World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report (WASDE) showed the 2023-24 U.S. corn outlook having a greater amount of corn used for ethanol, and feed and residual use creating smaller ending stocks.

There was a 10% increase in February feedlot placements from 2023 to 1.89 million head, representing the most February placements since at least 1996.

The March Feed Outlook report shows the global 2023-24 corn stocks are reduced. Foreign corn production is lower this month, as it was last month, with the largest reductions for South Africa, Ukraine and Mexico.