USDA released its annual Cattle inventory report last week and the report confirmed that, although the U.S. cattle herd was still growing during 2017, the rate of growth slowed sharply compared to recent years.

Prices for calves and feeder cattle started off 2017 sharply lower than a year earlier but, by year-end, prices were well above 12 months prior.

Estimated cattle feeding returns calculated each month by Iowa State Extension provide insight into the situation Corn Belt feeders face.