Recently, CanFax issued Canada’s current cattle on feed data for terminal feedlots with 1,000 or more head in the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. According to the numbers, Canada’s cattle on feed equaled 934,721 head on May 1, 2009. Although this was 1.6 percent more than one year ago, it was 8.3 percent less than two years ago. The number of cattle placed on feed during April declined 22.5 percent from one year ago and 17.2 percent from two years ago to 130,647 head. Steers placed on feed totaled 76,471 head, which accounted for 58.5 percent of the total. Heifers placed on feed totaled 54,175 head. More specifically, placements of feeder cattle declined in all weight categories. Placements weighing less than 600 pounds totaled 14,778 head, which was 6.1 percent less than a year ago. Placements of feeder cattle weighing 600 to 699 pounds were down 1.8 percent from a year ago, amounting to 15,419 head. Placements weighing 700 to 799 head equaled 31,329 head, 28.7 percent less than last year. Placements of feeder cattle weighing more than 800 pounds totaled 69,120 head, 25.7 percent lower than a year ago. In the meantime, Canada’s fed cattle marketings during April fell 18.6 percent from one year ago to 124,620 head. Also, this was 25.5 percent less than two years ago.
On Feed April 1:947,131
Placements:130,647
Marketings:124,620
Other Disappearance:18,437
On Feed May 1:934,721