The forecast for 2021 total red meat and poultry production is lowered from last month, USDA said in its monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report on Sept. 10.
Beef production is 27.742 billion pounds, down 130 million from the previous month, as lower expected steer and heifer slaughter and lighter carcass weights more than offset higher cow slaughter.
The pork production forecast is forecast at 27.739 billion pounds, 85 million pounds lower than the previous month, on lower expected second-half hog slaughter.
The broiler production forecast is 44.774 billion pounds, 40 million higher, because of recent hatchery and slaughter data while the turkey production forecast is reduced.
For 2022, the total red meat and poultry forecast is 106.819 billion pounds, down 35 million pounds from the previous month’s projection.
The beef production forecast is reduced from last month on lower expected fed cattle slaughter and lighter carcass weights, the report noted. Pork production is unchanged.
Broiler and turkey production forecasts are raised on higher expected prices and lower expected feed costs.
For 2021, the beef import forecast is raised reflecting recent trade data; the export forecast is also raised on strong global demand from key trading partners; no changes are made to the 2022 forecasts.
The pork export forecast for 2021 is reduced on recent trade data and expected slower demand growth from Asia; no change is made to the 2022 forecast.
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