Poultry Production Raised From Last November

On December 14, 2018, in Production, by Debra Newman

The 2018 forecast for total poultry and red meat production was raised from last month as higher poultry and beef production forecasts more than offset lower pork production. USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report can be viewed here.

The increase in beef production reflects a faster pace of steer and heifer slaughter. However, this is slightly offset by lower carcass weights. Broiler and turkey production forecasts are raised from the previous month on the current pace of slaughter and hatchery data. The egg production forecast is lowered on recent hatchery data.

For 2019, the total red meat and poultry forecast is lowered from last month on lower expected beef and broiler production. Beef production is forecast lower, reflecting slightly lighter carcass weights in early 2019. The pork production forecast is unchanged from last month.

Broiler production is reduced as hatchery data points towards slowing production growth.