USDA raises 2025 red meat outlook, cuts poultry, eggs

The USDA has raised its expectations for 2025 U.S. red meat production.

Beef is now pegged at 26.565 billion pounds, up 775 million from January because of expectations for increased placements, slaughter, and dressed weights, with an average steer price of $201 per hundredweight, a jump of $5, and higher exports and consumption, with no change to beef imports.

Pork is seen at 28.53 billion pounds, 20 million higher, due to heavier weights, with an average barrow and gilt price of $64, a gain of $1, and larger imports and consumption against a cut in exports.

Changes to poultry and egg production were largely due to the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Broilers are projected at 47.625 billion pounds, unchanged, on slower slaughter rates because of culling due to HPAI, with an average price of $1.32 per pound, steady on the month, no adjustments to imports, lower imports, and higher consumption.

Turkey is estimated at 4.97 billion pounds, a drop of 130 million because of HPAI and hatchery data, with an average price of $.97, down $.02, unchanged imports, and lower exports and consumption.