Total poultry production and U.S. red meat for 2019 is lowered from the previous month as lower forecast beef and turkey production more than offsets higher pork production, according to the World Agricultural Supply & Demand Estimates report.
Broiler production forecast is unchanged from last month. Turkey production forecast is decreased as hatchery data is pointing to lower-than-previously expected poult placements. Forecast egg production is increased on continued growth in the laying flock.
Beef production is reduced from the previous month on the pace of fed cattle slaughter in the first quarter and lower expected marketings in mid-2019. Partly offsetting the lower fed cattle slaughter is higher expected cow slaughter. The lower production forecast also reflects lighter carcass weights in 2019. The pork production forecast is raised slightly on the current pace of slaughter and heavier first-quarter carcass weights.
The 2019 beef, broiler, turkey, and egg trade forecasts are unchanged from the previous month. Pork imports are lowered for 2019, reflecting larger domestic supplies and limited demand for foreign product.
