The release tomorrow of USDA’s Cattle on Feed report gets the monthly series back on schedule after the government shutdown. It will show the total number of cattle on feed as of 1 March (the 1 February report was released two weeks late on 8 March). Pre-report forecasts peg the total inventory in feedlots of 1,000 head capacity down slightly to 99.7 percent from last year. While the drop is small, it is the first decrease from year-ago levels since December 2016.

February placements are expected to be 96.2 percent of last year. Meanwhile, marketings are anticipated to be more current, coming in at 100.8 percent of a year ago. The tough weather conditions on the Plains have had an impact on placements and are continuing to do so...