Pork, Beef Output Cut in WASDE Forecast

USDA lowered its 2026 outlook for total red meat and poultry production, citing reduced pork and beef output, according to its latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report.

Pork production was revised lower on expectations for reduced slaughter, reflecting the March “Hogs and Pigs” report that indicated lower farrowings through much of 2026. Beef production was also lowered as reduced steer and heifer slaughter in the first half of the year outweighed higher cow slaughter and heavier carcass weights.

In contrast, USDA raised its forecasts for broiler, turkey and egg production. Broiler output increased on a faster pace of slaughter and heavier weights, while turkey production was lifted on hatchery data and egg production rose on larger layer inventories.

On the trade side, beef exports were reduced due to slower shipments early in the year and tighter domestic supplies, while beef imports were raised on strong demand for lean processing beef. Pork exports were increased for the first quarter but left unchanged for the remainder of the year.

Broiler exports were lowered in the second half of 2026 due to reduced competitiveness in global markets, while turkey exports were raised for the first half of the year on improved production and trade data.