The inventory included 6.46 million steers and steer calves, up 1 percent from Oct. 1, 2013. Steers and steer calves accounted for 64 percent of the total inventory, while heifers and heifer calves accounted for 3.55 million head, down 3 percent from a year ago.
Placements in feedlots climbed 1 percent to 1.94 million head, USDA reported. For September, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 lbs. were 460,000; 600-699 lbs. were 340,000; 700-799 lbs. were 437,000; and 800 lbs. and greater were 770,000. USDA noted that September placements were the second lowest since the series began in 1996.
Marketings of fed cattle during September declined 1 percent to total 1.68 million, while other disappearance totaled 65,000, up 5 percent from 2013.
