Meat Production, Demand Expected To Increase This Year

With the exception of beef, U.S. meat production is expected to increase in 2026.  USDA livestock analyst Anthony Fischer at last week’s Ag Outlook Forum noting continuing contraction of the nation's beef herd, even with cattle reaching higher weights.

“Exports will be up for pork and broilers, down for beef. For beef exports are expected to decrease on tight domestic supplies as well as reduce competitiveness in global markets due to higher prices that will temper some demand.”

Stronger Demand For Feedlot Placements Expected

Fischer added consumer demand of all meats is expected to increase year over year.  When it comes to the prices producers can expect for their animals.

“Fed and feeder steers are both expected to be up as firm beef demand is expected to translate into stronger demand for feedlot placement," Fischer noted.  "Hogs and broilers are also up slightly. Turkey production normalizes and demand strengthens, expecting to boost prices for turkeys and wholesale eggs down. It's the only protein price decreasing, but prices have fallen since HPAI-induced spikes we saw last year.”

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