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USDA trims 2026 beef, pork outlooks

The USDA has lowered their 2026 red meat production expectations while leaving poultry almost unchanged.

Beef is now projected at 24.877 billion pounds, 90 million less than August on slower third quarter fed cattle slaughter and lighter dressed weights, along with an anticipated cutback in fourth quarter cow slaughter. The average steer price is estimated at $237.35 per hundredweight, a drop of $8, even with increases in imports, exports, and consumption.

Pork is pegged at 27.771 billion pounds, down 105 million on lighter dressed weights and slower processing, with an average barrow and gilt price of $64.82, $.50 lower, along with dips in imports, exports, and consumption.

Broilers are seen at 49.62 billion pounds, effectively steady, with an average price of $1.188 per pound, two tenths of a cent lower, and minimal demand adjustments.

Turkey is estimated at 5.099 billion pounds, nearly unchanged, with an average price of $1.746 per pound, up $.043, and increased exports.

Egg production is now expected to be 9.14 billion dozen, rising 31 million on a larger laying flock, with an average price of $1.066 per dozen, a cut of $.04, and a big increase in exports.

The USDA’s next round of supply, demand, and production numbers is out October 9^th.