Feedlot populations were slightly lower to start July, while the overall cattle population in the U.S. increased marginally. Two reports released by USDA Friday showed farmers still holding onto historically high numbers amid a continued backlog of market-ready cattle. Feedlots started July with 11.44 million head of cattle, 42,000 fewer than they did a year ago. Placements were two percent higher at almost 1.8 million head, while one percent more cattle were marketed in June, at 1.97 million. Including cattle at feedlots with fewer than one-thousand head, 13.6 million head were on feed as of July first.

American producers started July with 103-million head of cattle, a net gain from last year of 100 thousand. The number of cows and heifers calving is at 41.4 million, down 200,000 from a year ago. Steer population is up 300,000 at 15 million, while calf crop is down one percent at 35.8 million.