Reduced farrowings, slaughter push pork production down

The USDA has dropped its red meat production numbers for 2026. According to the April World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report released Thursday, pork production has been lowered to 27.975 billion pounds, down 300 million pounds from March, due to reduced slaughter.

The USDA notes the current outlook reflects the information provided in the March 26 Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report which indicated reduced farrowings through much of 2026.

The average barrow and gilt price has been reduced to $69 per hundredweight, $1 less than last month. According to the WASDE, hog prices for the second and third quarters were lowered based on recent trends in hog and pork prices, however pork exports were raised for Q1 due to the latest trade data. Exports remain unchanged for the rest of the year.

Beef production decreased by 20 million pounds to 25.79 billion pounds, as lower steer and heifer slaughter in the first half of the year is partially offset by higher cow slaughter in the first two quarters and heavier dressed weights throughout the year. Cattle prices were left unchanged, with an average steer price of $242/cwt.