MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

US beef, pork, poultry and turkey production forecasted to increase in 2011

Less beef imports as supplies in export countries remain tight, according to USDA

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the monthly World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report projecting US beef, pork, poultry and turkey production to increase across the board in 2011, while also projecting higher prices for livestock and meat products.

Fed cattle slaughter will reflect expected strength in feedlot placements during early 2011 and relatively large dairy cow slaughter in the first part of 2011 also will contribute to higher beef production. The effects of increased cattle slaughter will be partly mitigated by lower expected carcass weights.

Pork production is increased from last month as carcass weights thus far in the first quarter are well above last year. Broiler and turkey production is forecast higher in the first half of 2011. The broiler production increase largely reflects relatively heavy bird weights but the increase in turkey production forecast reflects higher increases in poultry placements as well as increased bird weights.

The forecast for US beef exports for 2011 is raised from last month on strength in exports to Asia. The beef import forecast is reduced as supplies in several exporting countries are expected to remain tight and a relatively weak US dollar is expected to constrain shipments. The pork and poultry export forecasts for 2011 are unchanged from February. Trade estimates for 2010 reflect import and export data for December.

Despite the higher production forecasts, prices for livestock and poultry are raised from last month. Robust exports and improving domestic demand in the face of relatively tight meat supplies are expected to support higher price forecasts for cattle, hogs, broilers and turkeys.