Leffler Calls March Cattle On Feed Numbers Neutral

Mar 24, 2015

No surprises were found in the latest cattle on feed numbers. That’s according to Tom Leffler of Leffler Commodities, as the report came in close to pre-report estimates. Radio Oklahoma Network’s Leslie Smith got reaction from Leffler after the report came out on Friday.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated 10.7 million head of cattle on feed as of March 1, 2015. That was down one percent from a year ago. Leffler said this is the second largest March on feed number of the past 16 years and third largest monthly on feed number for the past 11 months. Texas was down one percent, while Nebraska and Kansas was up one percent versus a year ago.

February placements totaled 1.52 million, down eight percent for 2014. Leffler said this was the third smallest February placement number of the past 20 years and third smallest monthly placement number of the past 62 consecutive months. He said Texas was down 30 percent on placements in February, Nebraska was down nine percent and Kansas was up six percent versus a year ago.

Placements for cattle weighing less than 600 pounds totaled 330,000, down 15.4 percent, 600-699 pounds came in at 270,000, down 18.2 percent, 700-799 pounds totaled 388,000, down 7.2 percent and 800 pounds and heavier were 535,000 was up 2.9 percent versus a year ago.

Marketings of fed cattle for February totaled 1.52 million head, down two percent from 2014. Leffler said this was down 9.9 percent below the five year average and the smallest February marketing numbers since 1996. Texas was down 12 percent, Nebraska was up three percent and Kansas was up 13 percent on marketing numbers compared to a year ago.

With this neutral report, Leffler does not anticipate much market reaction on Monday morning. He said the report shows cattle numbers are tight, but exports are down due to the labor dispute in the ports in the Pacific Northwest and the stronger U.S. dollar. Beef imports have also increased. Leffler said beef continues to be priced high and there is increased competition from less expensive pork and poultry.

Click here to see more...

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.