Weekly fed cattle harvest of the latest four weeks have featured head counts larger than a year ago with an average of 496,750 per week, a 2.1% increase for the period compared to 2023.
Current supply metrics have boosted the value of Select carcasses as a reflection of less lean trim with lower cull cow volume. Fed cattle sector still finds highest return as carcass quality increases.
Reports from several feeders indicate that the 2023 spring-born calves, now being harvested, spent more days in the feedyard this year than in more typical recent years.
Aside from the added carcass tonnage, the leap in carcass weights - driven by extra days on feed - has generated a noted shift in carcass marbling and quality grade achievement.
