Total red meat and poultry production for 2018 is projected higher than 2017 on increased livestock and poultry production. Higher broiler and egg production reflects expanded production in response to moderate feed prices and relatively strong 2017 prices. Cattle placements during second half 2017 and early 2018 are forecast higher; these cattle will be slaughtered during 2018, supporting higher beef production. Carcass weights are expected to be higher. Turkey production is forecast higher as demand strengthens, according to USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, which can be viewed here.
Total red meat and poultry production for 2017 is reduced from the previous month on lower beef, pork and broiler production. Beef and pork production is reduced on lighter expected cattle and hog carcass weights. Broiler production is lowered on lower forecast second-quarter production. Turkey production is raised on higher first-quarter slaughter data. The 2017 egg production forecast is reduced on lower first-quarter table egg production and lower expected hatching production for the remainder of the year.
