February 20, 2014

In 2014, US farmers are expected to produce more beef as compared to last month's forecast, however, it's not going to make up for lower pork, broiler and turkey production, the USDA said.

The USDA says total red meat and poultry production this year will be lower than the department forecast last month. The USDA's latest report expects relatively large cattle placements in the fourth quarter of 2013 to carry through the first half of this year, leading to higher slaughter numbers for the year.

The department has lowered pork production as PED continues to spread through the US hog sector. Due to slower slaughter growth, broiler production is reduced while turkey production has declined because of lower poult placements.

The USDA has raised its forecast for cattle for 2014 because of continued tight supplies and recent price strength for feed cattle. The department has also raised its forecast prices for hogs, broilers and turkeys – all based on reduced supplies.