USDA Lowers 2026 Meat Output Forecast on Beef and Pork Cuts

The United States Department of Agriculture has reduced its forecast for total red meat and poultry production in 2026, mainly because of lower expected beef and pork output.

The USDA now projects production at 108.087 billion pounds, down slightly from its previous estimate.

Pork production was cut by 105 million pounds to 27.771 billion pounds. The agency attributed the reduction to expectations of slower slaughter rates and lighter carcass weights.

Beef production was also lowered by 90 million pounds to 24.877 billion pounds. The revision reflects slower fed-cattle marketings, lighter carcass weights in the third quarter and lower cow slaughter expected in the final quarter.

Broiler production was reduced slightly to 49.620 billion pounds, while turkey output fell to 5.099 billion pounds because of lighter bird weights. Egg production, however, was raised to 9.140 billion pounds as the laying-hen flock grows.

For 2027, the USDA expects total red meat and poultry production at 108.735 billion pounds, 110 million pounds below its previous forecast.

The agency also lowered its pork export outlook for both years, citing weaker demand and stronger competition in global markets.