USDA lowers 2026 red meat and poultry production forecast
The Sept. 11 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report lowered the 2026 red meat and poultry production forecast compared with the August report.
The reduction was the result of lower beef and pork production forecasts, while poultry production remained flat.
The broiler production forecast was unchanged, while turkey production was reduced because of lighter weights. Broiler production was projected at 49,600 million pounds in 2026. Turkey production was pegged at 5,100 million pounds.
WASDE is overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
For 2027, broiler production was raised in the second half of the year, while turkey forecasts were unchanged. WASDE calls for broiler production at 50 million pounds and 5,125 million pounds for turkey, respectively.
Broiler prices were lowered for the fourth quarter and were unchanged for 2027. Broiler prices were set at 118.8 cents per pound for 2026 and 122 cents per pound for 2027. The turkey price forecast for 2026 was raised on price strength, which is expected to carry through 2027. The price was projected at 174.6 cents per pound for 2026 and 140 cents per pound for 2027.
Eggs
Egg production was increased on growth in the layer flock, WASDE noted in September.
The egg price forecast was lowered for 2026 but remained unchanged for 2027.
Production was set at 9,140 million dozen eggs in 2026 and 9,320 million dozen eggs in 2027. The price was projected at 106.6 cents per dozen for 2026 and 111 cents per dozen for 2027.
USDA’s Sept. 18 Egg Market Overview noted negotiated wholesale prices for graded loose caged eggs were steady to lower throughout the week on moderate retail interest and light to moderate loose egg interest.
Trading was mostly slow to moderate. Wholesale prices for national trading of truckload quantities of graded, loose, white large shell eggs were steady at $0.35 per dozen with a steady undertone.
In the major Midwest production region, wholesale prices for large, white shell eggs delivered to warehouses were down $0.01 at $0.65 per dozen with a steady undertone. The price to producers for large cartoned shell eggs was $0.01 lower at $0.47 per dozen.
Feature activity for shell eggs at retail grocery stores was higher compared with a week earlier, the overview noted. The inventory of large shell eggs in the Midwest was 8% lower as movement into marketing channels remained moderate.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
