Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 5/12/11

USDA forecast increased total meat production in 2011 as higher beef, pork and turkey production more than offset a dip in broiler production.

In the agency’s monthly World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report, USDA predicted beef production will increase to 26.221 billion pounds, from 26.095 billion pounds forecast last month, on higher-than-expected placements of cattle on feed and a relatively heavy cow slaughter.

USDA raised its forecast for pork (to 22.626 billion from 22.595 billion pounds) on continued heavy carcass weights and turkey production (to 5.727 billion pounds from 5.665 billion pounds) on a more moderate decline in production forecasts for late in the year. Meanwhile, broiler production is revised down to 37.413 billion pounds from 37.420 billion pounds as poor returns are expected to weigh on the sector, the agency said.

Exports
Exports of U.S. broilers are forecast to be 6.400 billion pounds, down from last month’s estimate of 6.550 billion pounds. Turkey exports are forecast to be 615 million pounds, up from 560 million pounds predicted in April. Projections for U.S. beef and pork exports were unchanged.

Prices
USDA raised its projection for cattle prices to a range of $111 to $115 per hundredweight on continued strong demand for fed cattle and its projection for turkeys to a range of 97 cents per pound to $1.01 per pound. Pork and broiler prices were unchanged.

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