USDA released its monthly World Supply and Demand Estimates on Friday, forecasting tighter beef supplies and growing pork and broiler supplies. 

Beef production was lowered due to a slower fed cattle harvest, which was offset somewhat by cow slaughter. Fed cattle slaughter was forecast to decline because of lighter feedlot placements to date in 2026 and a slower pace of marketing. Also affecting the production level were lighter slaughter weights in Q2 and Q3. Heavier slaughter weights partially offset lower hog production, which was reduced by 40 million pounds. The forecasts were based on the June Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report, which showed smaller pig crops in the first half of 2026 and lower farrowing intentions in the second hal...