USDA released the April WASDE today with new 2026 meat production forecasts, changed from the March release.
Beef is now projected at 25.79 billion pounds, down 20 million from March, mostly on lower first-half steer and heifer slaughter. Higher cow slaughter will partially offset the reduced fed cattle slaughter, and heavier weights will keep production up. Imports are forecast to increase based on recent trade data and continued demand for lean processing beef for hamburger. Domestic consumption is forecast to be up as well. Yearly average cattle prices were left unchanged, with an average steer price of $242 per hundredweight, with the exception of the first quarter, which was updated to reflect reported price data through March. ...
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