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Red meat production expected to fall, poultry to rise

USDA has trimmed its 2026 red meat production projections while increasing expectations for poultry.

Beef production is estimated 24.802 billion pounds, a drop of 75 million from September on light carcass weights and declining steer and heifer slaughter, with an average steer price of $237.56 per hundredweight, up $.21, and higher imports, unchanged exports, and slightly lower consumption.

Pork production is seen at 27.621 billion pounds, falling 150 million on lighter dressed weights and slower slaughter, with an average barrow and gilt price of $63.79, down $1.03, along with a boost to imports and cuts to exports and consumption.

Broiler production is pegged at 49.72 billion pounds, 100 million higher based on slaughter, hatchery, and weight data, with an average price of $1.189 per pound, a gain of a tenth of a cent, and minimal supply and demand adjustments.

The outlook for turkey production is 5.134 billion pounds, an increase of 35 million due to weights, hatchery, and slaughter, with an average price of $1.755, rising nine tenths of a cent, and a big jump in exports against slight changes for imports and consumption.

Egg production of 9.16 billion dozen was 20 million more than a month ago on the larger number of laying hens, with an average price of $1.035 per dozen, down $.031, and steady imports, reduced exports, and bigger consumption.

The USDA’s next round of supply, demand, and production numbers is out November 10^th.