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USDA Updates 2026 Meat and Egg Forecast
The USDA expects more beef and pork in 2026, but less chicken, turkey, and eggs due to disease and recent production trends.
Martina Osmak
Director of Marketing
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has shared new estimates for 2026 meat and egg production. Some numbers are higher than before. Others are lower. The changes reflect animal disease, slaughter rates, and market demand.
Here is a simple breakdown.
Beef Production Goes Up
The USDA now expects more beef in 2026 than it predicted in January.
Total beef production: 25.92 billion pounds
Increase: 185 million pounds
Average steer price: $240 per hundredweight (up $4)
Why the increase?
More steers, heifers, and cows are being processed. Animals are also heavier, which means more meat per head. The USDA also expects higher imports and strong consumer demand. Export levels remain the same.
Pork Output Also Higher
Pork production is also expected to rise.
Total pork production: 28.275 billion pounds
Increase: 60 million pounds
Average barrow and gilt price: $69 per hundredweight (up $2)
The increase is mainly due to a faster slaughter pace and heavier animals. Imports are steady, while exports and domestic consumption are expected to grow.
Chicken Production Reduced
Broiler chicken production is now slightly lower than previously forecast.
Total production: 48.5 billion pounds
Decrease: 100 million pounds
Average price: $1.25 per pound (unchanged)
Recent hatchery and production data show slower growth. Imports are expected to decline. However, exports and domestic consumption are projected to increase.
Turkey Affected by Avian Influenza
Turkey production was also reduced.
Total production: 4.965 billion pounds
Decrease: 10 million pounds
Average price: $1.54 per pound (up 1 cent)
The reduction is linked to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Some birds were culled to control the disease. Imports and domestic use are higher, but exports are expected to fall.
Egg Production Lower Again
Egg production continues to feel the impact of disease and hatchery trends.
Total production: 9.175 billion dozen
Decrease: 25 million dozen
Average price: $1.25 per dozen (up 5 cents)
The USDA expects higher egg exports. Imports and domestic consumption are forecast to decline.
What Happens Next?
The USDA will release its next supply and demand update on March 10.
These numbers can still change as new data becomes available. Disease outbreaks, feed costs, and consumer demand will continue to influence production levels in 2026.
Source: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/news/usda-raises-2026-red-meat-estimates-lowers-poultry-eggs/