The January WASDE report lowered previous forecasts for 2021 beef production based on lower expected carcass weights. That report also projected lower weights for hogs, though offset by higher rates of slaughter. That is a sound projection based on feed costs and the cost of gain for cattle and hogs, but the question remains: when will we start to see lighter weights? A month into the year, slaughter weights are actually increasing and running well above prior year averages. Last week’s estimated average cattle slaughter weight hit 1,400 pounds and average hog weights hit 295 pounds, the heaviest weight since (at least) 2016.  Regardless if weights trend down, Q1 beef and pork production will be greater than anticipated. &n...

TAGS – Livestock, North America