June 20, 2005

USDA: Livestock, dairy and poultry outlook
 

U.S. beef production for the second-quarter is expected to be similar to the low levels of last year, down about 9 percent from 2002 and 2003. Cattle and beef prices will come under pressure from greater beef supplies, larger supplies of competing meats at relatively lower prices, and seasonally-declining demand as the summer heat shifts the diet to lighter fare.

Its broiler production meat production for February and March rose to 8.57 billion pounds, 4.6 percent higher from the same period last year. Total broiler production is expected to reach 35.4 million pounds, up 3.8 percent from last year.

Hog prices fell to US$55.40 per hundredweight last month, 5 percent below last May's prices. This weak US hog prices is due to slightly elevated pork production and weakening domestic demand for pork products.

The forecasts for 2005 and 2006 assume a continuation of policies currently in place among U.S. trading partners.

For the full USDA report, click here.