The annual livestock slaughter data for 2024 was released Tuesday from USDA. Despite a reduced cattle supply, beef production totaled 27 billion pounds, up slightly from 2023 based on heavier weights, especially in the fall. For 2023, total pounds produced were also about 27 billion pounds, down 5 percent from the previous year, in 2022.
Commercial cattle slaughter during 2024 totaled 31.8 million head, down 3 percent from 2023, but average weights were up 34 pounds. The average live weight for the year was 1,399 pounds, with heavier cattle starting in September, exceeding 1,400 pounds. The average weight for 2023 was 1,365 pounds. Federal inspection accounted for 98.2 percent of the total. Steers were 48.6 percent of the total federally i...
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...
