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USDA raises 2026 red meat estimates, lowers poultry, eggs

The USDA has ramped up its expectations for 2026 U.S. red meat production.

Beef is now seen at 25.92 billion pounds, up 185 million from January on increased steer, heifer, and cow slaughter, and heavier dressed weights, with an average steer price of $240 per hundredweight, a gain of $4, and more imports and consumption, with no change to exports.

Pork is estimated at 28.275 billion pounds, 60 million higher due to a faster slaughter pace and heavier dressed weights, with an average barrow and gilt price of $69 per hundredweight, up $2, and steady imports against greater exports and consumption.

Broiler chicken is projected at 48.5 billion pounds, down 100 million because of recent production and hatchery data, with the average price unchanged at $1.25 per pound, and a cut to imports, but with higher exports and consumption.

Turkey is pegged at 4.965 billion pounds, a cut of 10 million on culling related to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, with an average price of $1.54 per pound, $.01 higher, and larger import and consumption numbers, but with lower exports.

Egg production was lowered 25 million dozen to 9.175 billion dozen because of hatchery data and HPAI, with an average price of $1.25 per dozen, $.05 above a month ago, and higher exports, along with lower imports and consumption.

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