October WASDE report shows rising cattle production and strong market demand

The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, a monthly report published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has released the latest forecasts for 2024 and 2025.

The October report is promising, with beef production expected to rise due to increased slaughter rates and heavier weights.

Below, you’ll find some of the key insights from the latest WASDE report, and what they mean for the cattle industry.

Beef production on the rise

The latest forecast for 2024 shows an increase in red meat and poultry production, driven primarily by higher beef production. This increase is due to more cattle being slaughtered, and heavier dressed weights in the third and fourth quarters.

In contrast, pork, broiler, and turkey production are expected to decline. For 2025, beef production is set to rise further with higher steer and heifer slaughter, especially in the first half of the year, and heavier weights.