The Cattle on Feed report released by the USDA on Nov. 18, 2017 – reported 5 percent year-over-year lower cattle placements in October. The reduced pace of placements is likely to slow beef production increases in the first half of 2017.

October cattle prices were lower relative to September and the previous year. Weekly average fed cattle prices declined during the month, averaging about $100 per hundredweight compared to $131 in 2015.