Less cattle on feed in the US as imports rise to feed America

The number of cattle on feed in the US is falling, and it’s boosting imports from some countries. Full figures here.

The number of cattle on feed in the United States is expected to be the lowest for five years when survey results are released this week.

And it could pave the way for more imported product to fill the gap.

In its analysis of the US market, Steiner Consulting Group has predicted a 6.5 per cent fall of the number of cattle on feed compared to this time last year.

The number of cattle in US feedlots is predicted to fall when statistics are released this week.

“There is little question that with fewer calves available for placements that we will see a reduction in the number of cattle on feed in November,” the analysis said.

“There are some reports that placements in Texas during November were down almost 20 per cent from a year ago.

“Drought continues but with fewer calves available, feedlots are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain the placement rate.”

Despite declining cattle on feed, Australia has sent less beef to the US in year-to-date figures to December.

Australian beef exports to the US are down 5.4 per cent this year compared to last.

A year ago, Australian beef exports sat at 139,801 tonnes but in the same period this year, 7610 less tonnes or 132,191 tonnes has been imported into the US, a fall of 5.4 per cent.

Overall, the US has imported 3.7 per cent more beef this year, with Brazil increasing its share from 41,736 tonnes year-to-date last year to 105,732 tonnes this year, a jump of 153 per cent.

Canada remains the largest supplier of beef to the US, with 329,114 tonnes, while Mexico has exported 278,461 tonnes year-to-date to the US.