Red meat, pig and poultry production in the US is forecast to exceed 2026 output levels next year.
This is according to the projections contained within the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE), published by the US’ Department of Agriculture.
Contributing to the rise in overall meat availability in 2027 will be higher pork and poultry production levels, which will more than offset lower beef output.
Cattle production is forecast lower on the back of expected herd rebuilding, with increasing heifer retention limiting the availability of cattle for slaughter.
US pork production in 2027 is forecast to increase despite limited growth in expected farrowings: improved sow productivity will support larger pig crops and increased slaughter.
Heavier pig carcass weights are also forecast in 2027.
Meanwhile, broiler production is forecast above 2026 as producers respond to favourable margins and strong domestic demand.
Turkey production is forecast to increase for the second straight year on improving producer returns. Egg production is also forecast higher.
The WASDE beef production forecast is lowered on the back of official data through March and lower-than-expected sales in the second quarter of this year due to the recent pace of steer and heifer slaughter numbers.
Lower than expected cow slaughtering numbers also underpin the production decrease. For 2027, finished cattle prices are forecast above 2026 due to an expected tightening of supplies.
Meanwhile, the 2026 US cattle price forecast is increased from last month on recent data and tighter expected supplies.
Dairy
US milk production in 2027 is forecast to increase from 2026, driven by higher milk per cow and a stable milk dairy herd. Farm gate milk prices are expected to tail off slightly next year.
Commercial milk exports in 2027 are forecast to be higher than in 2026 on both a fat basis and a skim-solids basis.
This will be due to additional exports of cheese and whey products.
Commercial imports are also forecast to increase on both a fat basis and skims-solids basis, due primarily to increases in imports of cheese and milk proteins.
Domestic US dairy consumption in 2027 is expected to increase on both a fat basis and skim-solids basis.
Dairy product prices are forecast to be higher for cheese and butter, but lower for whey and non-fat dry milk (NDM) compared with 2026.
The WASDE milk production forecast for the current calendar year has is raised slightly from the previous month on expectations of a larger cow herd but a slower growth rate in output per cow.