(BLOOMINGTON) The USDA released several reports late last Friday that had been delayed due to the government shutdown, including its Cattle on Feed and Milk Production reports. The number of cattle and calves on feed on November 1st totaled 11.7 million head, down 2% from the same date a year ago. Placements into feedlots in October were reported at 2.04 million head, a 10% year-over-year drop and the lowest since recordkeeping began in 1996. Marketings last month in October totaled 1.7 million head, down 8% from the same month last year. The October milk production in 24 major states, including Illinois, rose 3.9% on an annual basis to 18.7 billion pounds. The September milk output was up 4% with per cow production up by 30 pounds. The number of milk cows on farms rose by 211,000 head, rising to 9.14 million head.
