The forecast for 2026 red meat and poultry production was lowered from the previous month as lower beef and broiler production more than offset increased pork and turkey production, according to the Nov. 10 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.
Broiler production was lowered based on current processing and placement data. Production was estimated at 55,246 million pounds. Turkey production was increased based on heavier weights and a higher share of toms being processed than is seasonally typical. Annual production was estimated at 5,183 million pounds.
Egg production was increased because of growth in the layer flock and is now estimated at 9,171 million dozen annually.
For 2027, the red meat and poultry production forecast was reduced as lower beef and broiler production more than offset higher turkey production, WASDE noted. Broiler production was lowered based on lower seasonal processing in the second half of the year and is estimated at 50 million pounds. Turkey production was raised based on hatchery data and heavier weights and is projected at 5,245 million pounds. Egg production was increased based on higher seasonal output, primarily in the second half of the year, and is projected at 9,365 million dozen.
Broiler prices were raised for the fourth quarter of 2026 based on recent price strength, but prices were unchanged for 2027. The fourth-quarter broiler price was 118 cents per pound, while the 2027 forecast remained at 121 cents per pound.
Turkey price forecasts for 2026 and 2027 were raised based on recent price strength and tight supplies of whole birds. The fourth-quarter price was estimated at 181 cents per pound, and the 2027 forecast was raised to 150 cents per pound from 145 cents per pound the previous month.
Egg price forecasts were lowered for the remainder of 2026 and 2027 based on recent price weakness and increased production.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Egg Markets Overview on Nov. 6 noted that wholesale prices for national trading of truckload quantities of graded, loose, white large shell eggs were 11 cents higher at 46 cents per dozen, with a steady undertone. The wholesale price on the New York market for formula trading of large cartoned shell eggs delivered to retailers was 13 cents higher at 85 cents per dozen.
In the major Midwest production region, wholesale prices for large, white shell eggs delivered to warehouses were 16 cents higher at 70 cents per dozen, with a steady undertone. The price to producers for large cartoned shell eggs was 16 cents higher at 52 cents per dozen.
Feature activity for shell eggs at retail grocery stores was slightly lower Nov. 6 compared with the previous week, the overview noted.
Nonorganic free-range and pastured shell eggs continued to be the most frequently featured among retail chains. Promotions of nutritionally enhanced caged shell eggs increased in number, and prices were lower compared with the previous advertising cycle.
The inventory of shell eggs available for marketing at the start of the week was up 4%, while the national inventory of large-class shell eggs was 6% higher, the overview stated. The inventory of large shell eggs in the Midwest was 7% higher, while movement into marketing channels was moderate. The inventory share of large-class shell eggs was up 1.1% to 50.3% of all shell egg stocks at the start of the week. Stocks of cage-free eggs increased 3% as recent retail promotional activity decreased. Stocks of nutritionally enhanced eggs decreased 8% following the previous week’s retail promotions, which resulted in greater stock movement.
The average national wholesale price for breaking stock was unchanged at 8 cents per dozen, with a steady undertone. Demand was light for moderate to available offerings. Supplies were mixed, and processing schedules varied. The volume of eggs processed over the previous week increased 1%, and the share of weekly table egg production declined 0.8% to 32.1%.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
PHOTO: Chickens on traditional free range poultry farm.(Adobe Stock │ #372263083 – monticellllo)
