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Feedlot Report

published: April 16th 2010
by: Dr. Marcus A. Hoelscher

Severe winter feeding conditions continued to reduce performance of cattle and increase production costs. When compared to the previous month, daily gains were reduced, feed conversions and cost of gains were higher.
    Feedyard managers reported a large variation in performance of finished cattle. There was also a great variation in performance between yards located in different areas. Yards that received the most moisture and coldest temperatures reported the worst results.
    Steers were placed on feed at 752 lbs., finished at 1266 lbs. and gained 3.29 lbs. daily for the 156 day feeding period. Cost of gain was $82.11 per cwt., up $1.52 per cwt. when compared to the previous month.
    Heifers were placed at 708 lbs., finished at 1169 lbs. and gained 2.92 lbs. daily for the 158 day feeding period. Heifers fed for $86.40, up $1.74 per cwt.
    Costs of rations for April are comparable to the previous month. Rations are priced at $230 to $240 per ton. Costs of rations are on a dry basis with a ration markup.
    Cattle feeders are reporting profits of $65 to $85 with a $96 fed cattle market. One year ago they reported losses of $170 to $190 per head with an $83 market.
    Higher fat cattle prices and higher feeder cattle prices have produced smiles for both the cattle feeder and the cow-calf producers. The packer is also reporting profits at the present time.
    Feedyard inventories are very current. Managers have done an excellent job in moving finished cattle from their show lists.