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. ...
What You Need to Know Today: Markets got a surprise with a corn yield of 181.2 bushels/acre in the October WASDE, above the average estimate of 177.6 bushels/acre and up from USDA’s September estimate of 178.5 bushels/acre. Although stronger demand is expected to absorb some of the addit...
Key Takeaways: On Friday afternoon, President Trump announced that Russia will “immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel” to the United States. The deal, typical of this administration, is light on details but promises an additional 500,000 tons in November and 1 m...
The USDA has lowered its 2026 red meat production forecasts slightly while forecasting a slight increase in broiler production. Beef is now projected at 24.802 billion pounds, 75 million pounds less than in September. Cow slaughter is expected to be up; however, this will be offset by lower ste...