Despite record high yields from corn and soybeans in today’s WASDE, the forecast for red meat and broiler production in 2025 was reduced slightly from the August report. Both beef and pork production were down, while broiler production was up.

For 2025, beef was down on lower fed cattle slaughter and lower cow slaughter in Q3 and Q4 quarter. Likewise, pork production is reduced based on a slower rate of slaughter for Q3 and Q4 and lighter dressed weights for the third quarter.  For 2026, beef production was raised slightly from last month, with yearly production down 336 million pounds to 25.49 million pounds, based on higher fed cattle slaughter. Pork production was held steady from last month and the annual total was 813 milli...