THE number of cattle in US feedlots fell 1 per cent to 11.28 million head in the 12 months to December, last year, according to latest USDA figures.
Feedlot placements during November, at 1.85 million head, were 8 per cent lower than November 2008, and 3.7 per cent below pre-report estimates.
The report confirmed the US trend of heavier cattle being put on feed. Placements of feeder cattle weighing 272kg or less were down 9.7 per cent, compared to a year ago; however, cattle weighing 363kg-plus were 1.3 per cent higher.
World sheep and Wool Congress
THE ninth annual World Sheep and Wool Congress will be held in Sydney from April 7-9.
The Australian Wool Innovation-supported event will coincide with the sheep judging events at this year's Sydney Royal Easter Show.
The congress will cover topical issues such as sheep for food and sheep for fibre; global food security; traceability; and innovations in textiles.
For more information, phone (02) 6772 9066 or visit www.worldsheepandwoolcongress.com
On-farm sale
NERSTANE Merinos at Wolbrook in NSW will sell 150 rams and 2000 ewes at its annual on-farm sale this month.
The stud, run by the McLaren family, was established in 1965.
For more information visit www.nerstane.com.au
- Send your stud news to Matilda Abey, The Weekly Times, PO Box 14999, Melbourne, 8001, email abeym@theweeklytimes.com.au or fax (03) 9292 2697.
