The forecast for total meat production in 2019 is raised from last month as increases in broiler and turkey production more than offset declines in beef and pork production. Broiler production is raised on June production data and the expectation of a continued higher proportion of heavier weight birds in the slaughter mix.
For 2020, the red meat and poultry production forecast is raised on higher expected beef and poultry production forecasts. The beef production forecast is raised from the previous month on a higher expected pace of first-half marketings. However, the 2019 calf-crop estimated in the July 19th Cattle report implies lower-than-previously expected marketings in the latter part of 2020. Continued growth in average bird weights is expected to result in higher forecast broiler production in 2020. Turkey production is raised slightly. Follow the link to read USDA’s full WASDE report.
