By Andi Anderson
According to the recent "Cattle on Feed" report released by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Iowa's feedlots demonstrated notable changes in cattle and calf populations during September 2023. The report divides the data between feedlots with different capacities, providing a comprehensive view of the state's cattle industry.
As of October 1, 2023, Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head housed a total of 640,000 head. This number reflects a 3 percent increase from both the previous month, September 1, 2023, and the same date in the previous year, October 1, 2022. This upswing in cattle numbers for larger feedlots illustrates ongoing activity and expansion within this segment of the cattle industry.
In contrast, Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head reported 475,000 head on feed as of October 1, 2023. This figure represents a significant 7 percent increase from the previous month and a 2 percent increase from the corresponding date in the prior year. The growth in smaller feedlots is indicative of a positive trend in this sector, suggesting economic viability and ongoing cattle production activities.
Overall, cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market across all Iowa feedlots reached a total of 1,115,000 head as of October 1, 2023. This marks a 5 percent increase from the prior month and a 3 percent increase from the same date in the previous year, highlighting the overall expansion of the cattle industry in Iowa.
The report also delves into placements, which indicate the number of cattle and calves introduced into Iowa feedlots. In feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head, placements during September 2023 totaled 88,000 head. This reflects a notable 17 percent increase from the previous month, August, and a 4 percent increase from September 2022. The increase in placements demonstrates a commitment to cattle production and the potential for growth within larger feedlots.
In smaller feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head, placements amounted to 64,000 head in September 2023. This number exhibited a substantial 33 percent increase from the previous month, August, and an impressive 45 percent increase from the same month the previous year, September 2022. The surge in placements within small-capacity feedlots emphasizes the resilience and expansion of this segment of the industry.
For the state as a whole, Iowa witnessed placements of 152,000 head across all feedlots during September 2023. This reflects a substantial 24 percent increase from the previous month, August, and an 18 percent increase from the same month in the previous year, September 2022. The surge in placements is a testament to Iowa's commitment to maintaining a robust cattle industry.
Additionally, the report covers marketings, which indicate the number of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots that were sold. In feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head, marketings during September 2023 totaled 67,000 head. This represented a 9 percent decrease from the previous month, August, and an 8 percent decrease from the previous year, September 2022. The fluctuations in marketings underscore the dynamics of supply and demand in the cattle industry.
For smaller feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head, marketings amounted to 30,000 head in September 2023. This marked a significant 60 percent decrease from the previous month, August, and a 47 percent decrease from the same month in the prior year, September 2022. The variations in marketings within smaller feedlots suggest the evolving landscape and economic factors influencing this sector.
Across all feedlots in Iowa, marketings for September 2023 totaled 97,000 head. This reflects a substantial 35 percent decrease from the previous month, August, and a 25 percent decrease from the same month in the prior year, September 2022. The report provides insights into the market dynamics that influence cattle sales in Iowa.
Finally, the report touches upon "other disappearance" from all feedlots in Iowa, which totaled 5,000 head. This statistic encompasses factors beyond placements and marketings and illustrates the broader picture of the cattle industry's dynamics.
The USDA's "Cattle on Feed" report for Iowa paints a dynamic picture of the state's cattle industry. It reflects not only the rise in cattle numbers but also variations in placements, marketings, and other factors that drive the cattle industry's growth and resilience. These insights are valuable for stakeholders and decision-makers in the industry as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of cattle production.
Photo Credit: istock-123ducu
Categories: Iowa, Livestock, Beef Cattle