News

USDA lowers 2026 expectations for beef, eggs, turkey

The USDA has cut its 2026 production projections for beef, turkey, and eggs.

Beef is now pegged at 25.438 billion pounds, down 109 million from May due to slaughter expectations for the rest of the year, with an average steer price of $250.16 per hundredweight, up $.50, and no change to imports, and reductions for exports and consumption.

Pork is estimated at 27.995 billion pounds, 10 million higher on heavier dressed weights, with an average barrow and gilt price of $66.63 per hundredweight, $1.75 lower, and bigger imports and exports, but no change to consumption.

Broilers are seen at 49.377 billion pounds, rising 231 million thanks to hatchery and slaughter numbers, in addition to margins, with an average price of $1.214 per pound, a half cent less than last month, and a dip for imports against gains in exports and consumption.

Turkey is projected at 5.036 billion pounds, a cut of 19 million because of hatchery data, with an average price of $1.612 per pound, up $.012, and reduced exports, but with no change to imports or consumption.

Egg production is expected to be 9.117 billion dozen, a decline of 3 million, with an average price of $.981 per dozen, a half a penny higher, and lower imports and consumption, along with steady exports.

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