July 15, 2026

USDA raises 2026 red meat, poultry production forecast

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has increased its 2026 red meat and poultry production forecast marginally to 108.555 billion pounds, as higher broiler output is expected to offset reduced red meat production.

According to the July World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report released Friday, pork production has been lowered slightly to 27.955 billion pounds, as a diminished second quarter slaughter should be more than offset by heavier dressed weights.

For 2027, total red meat and poultry production is projected to reach 109 billion pounds. Pork production has been reduced 28.135 billion pounds, due to a smaller expected pig crop following the June Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report. However, the deduction in expected slaughter should be compensated by heavier dressed weights.

The average barrow and gilt price has dropped 2.7% to US$64.82 per hundredweight, US$1.81 less than last month. The WASDE is projecting the average barrow and gilt price to be US$65/cwt in 2027, unchanged from May's estimate.

2026 pork exports for second quarter have been lowered to 7.237 billion pounds based on weaker than expected shipments to the Western Hemisphere but has been raised slightly for Q3. Pork exports are expected to reach 7.330 billion pounds in 2027, unchanged from last month.

- National Hog Farmer