July’s cattle-on-feed report represented a slight rise in the feedlot heifer population vs. last year. The overall trend during the past several years has been relatively flat – hovering around 37%-38%. The current drought, though, will likely change heifer retention plans going forward.

Will the industry see the percentage spike up to the 40% range as witnessed during the 1999 to 2001 time period? Offer your comments in the comments section below.

Check out last week’s “Industry At A Glance” chart and reader comments at: http://beefmagazine.com/markets/industry-glance-beef-exports-set-record.