The average economic returns to feedlot operators have improved, although losses in November are still expected to be $69.79 per head for steers and $22.21 per head for heifers, according to the latest projections from Kansas State University economist Glynn Tonsor.

Currently, the net returns projected for closeouts in October are losses of $145.12 per head for steers and $82.95 per head for heifers.

Tonsor’s latest numbers also suggest that returns could be in the black in December. Net returns are estimated to reach a profit of $149.67 per steer and $125.36 per heifer in December.

Further, Tonsor noted that steers are expected to be profitable until April 2020, while heifers are expected to be profitable through June.