The number of cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Colorado feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or larger was estimated at 1.04 million head as of January 1, 2023. The latest inventory was unchanged from December 1, 2022, but down 8 percent from January 1, 2022.

The inventory included 580,000 steers and steer calves, down 9 percent from last year’s number. The number of heifers and heifer calves, at 460,000 head, is down 7 percent from a year ago.

Cattle feeders with 1,000 head or larger capacity marketed an estimated 140,000 head of fed cattle during December 2022, 18 percent below the previous month and down 18 percent from the December 2021 marketings.

An estimated 145,000 cattle and calves were placed on feed during December 2022, unchanged from last month and 12 percent below the December 2021 placements of 165,000 head. Of the number placed in December, 24 percent weighed less than 600 pounds, 24 percent weighed from 600 to 699 pounds, 21 percent weighed from 700 to 799 pounds, 17 percent weighed 800 to 899 pounds, and 14 percent weighed 900 pounds or greater.

Other disappearance for December was estimated at 5,000 head, no change from last month or last year.