Cattle on Feed Rise 4% in U.S.

WASHINGTON - Nov 17/06 - SNS -- The number of cattle and calves on feed in the United States rose 4% as of November 1, reaching 12 million head in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more, reports the USDA.

The inventory was 4% above November 1, 2005 and 6% above November 1, 2004. This is the highest November 1 inventory since the series began in 1996.

Placements in feedlots during October totaled 2.43 million, 13% below 2005 and 10% below 2004. Net placements were 2.34 million head. This is the second lowest placements for the month of October since the series began in 1996. During October, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 840,000, 600-699 pounds were 645,000, 700-799 pounds were 485,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 455,000.

Marketings of fed cattle during October totaled 1.77 million, 2% above 2005 but 2% below 2004. Other disappearance totaled 81,000 during October, 40% above 2005 and 23% above 2004.

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