WASDE: Broiler production helps boost meat outlook
Broiler production helped boost the meat outlook, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s World Supply and Demands Estimates report posted on June 11.
The report raised United States red meat and poultry production forecast for 2026. The higher broiler production more than offset lower red meat production. Beef production was lowered as the low rate of steer and heifer processing was expected to continue through the second quarter and into the third quarter.
The annual production for 2026 was estimated at 49,377 million pounds, an increase from 49,146 million pounds from a month ago. Beef production for 2026 was pegged at 25,438 million pounds in the June report compared to last month’s projection of 25,547 million pounds. Pork production was up slightly. The 2026 annual projection, made this month, was estimated at 27,995 million pounds, up from 27,985 million pounds estimated last month.
Broiler production was raised for the remainder of the year on recent slaughter and hatchery data as well as supportive margins. Turkey production was lowered on recent hatchery data and egg production was lower, too.
Turkey production on an annual basis was estimated at 5,036 million pounds. A month ago it was projecte at 5,055 million pounds for 2026. Egg production was estimated 9,117 million dozen. A month ago it was estimated at 9,120 million dozen eggs.
Broiler prices were raised for the second quarter of 2026 based on recent prices, but lowered for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. Broiler prices were estimated at 121.4 cents per pound for 2026 with an estimate of 120 cents per pound for 2027.
Turkey prices were raised for the second quarter of 2026 on prices reported through May, but are unchanged for the remainder of the outlook. The price for the second quarter in 2026 was pegged at 161.2 cents per pound. WASDE estimated the price will be 130 cents a pound in early 2027.
Egg prices were raised slightly for the second quarter in 2026 from 97.6 cents per dozen to 98.1 cents per dozen. The report also calls for egg prices to increase to 108 cents a dozen in 2027.
Broiler exports were raised for the second and third quarters of 2026 on recent trade data and improved demand in several key markets, WASDE noted. Turkey exports were lowered at the same time.
According to the USDA’s Egg Market Overview on June 5, in the major Midwest production region, wholesale prices for large, white shell eggs delivered to warehouses were down $0.03 at $0.50 per dozen with a steady to weak undertone as were the price to producers for large cartoned shell eggs at $0.32 per dozen.
Feature activity for shell eggs at retail grocery stores were lower this week when compared to a week ago, the overview noted. Organic, specialty and cage-free types dominated features while conventional caged egg promotions decreased. The average ad price for conventional caged eggs decreased $0.01 to $1.25 per dozen.
The inventory of shell eggs available for marketing at the start of the week increased 1% while the national inventory of large class shell eggs was almost unchanged. The inventory of large shell eggs in the Midwest was unchanged as movement into marketing channels was slow to moderate. The inventory share of large class shell eggs increased 0.5% to a 49% share of all shell egg stocks on inventory at the start of the week.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
