WASDE: Red meat production up, exports to expand in 2017

According to the USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) released May 10, total U.S. red meat and poultry production in 2017 is projected to be above 2016. Beef production is forecast higher as larger 2015 and 2016 calf crops are expected to support year-over-year increases in cattle placements in late 2016 and early 2017.
Marketings of fed cattle are forecast higher during 2017 while carcass weights are expected to increase with good forage conditions and lower feed costs.
Pork production is expected to increase with larger hog supplies and heavier carcass weights. A modest expansion of farrowings is expected during the latter part of 2016 and early 2017, and continued growth in pigs per litter will support larger pig crops. Broiler production is forecast higher as the industry continues its current expansion path. Turkey production will continue to increase during 2017, but not at the rate of growth expected for 2016 when the sector is rebuilding following the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in 2015. Egg production for 2017 is forecast to expand as the egg sector continues to recover from the effects of HPAI.
The total red meat and poultry production forecast for 2016 is lowered from last month as production forecasts for beef, and poultry are reduced. Pork is raised on the pace of slaughter, but beef production is reduced on lowered first-half carcass weights.
Red meat and poultry exports are expected to increase in 2017 with expanding production and moderating prices; conversely, imports of beef are expected to decline. For 2016, the beef trade forecast is adjusted to reflect March trade data; no change is made to the forecast. The pork export forecast is adjusted to reflect March data; imports are reduced on the slow pace of trade to date. Broiler exports are forecast weaker on a slower expected pace of recovery in the first half of the year. Turkey exports are adjusted for March data.
For 2017, prices of fed cattle, hogs, broilers, and turkeys are all forecast below 2016 as supplies of meat are forecast higher.
Click here to read the entire WASDE report at USDA…