USDA Releases November Outlook for Cattle, Beef, Broiler, and Pork Markets
The USDA has released its latest November livestock and meat price forecast, offering updated expectations for cattle, beef, broiler, and pork production heading into 2025 and 2026.
Cattle and Beef Prices: Still Elevated
USDA Livestock Analyst Michael McConnell reports that cattle and beef prices are following typical seasonal trends.
He explains, “Seasonally, it’s coming down from where it was in the peaks of the summertime during the summer grilling season, which is normal in most years. However, it’s still high by historical standards and continues to remain at elevated levels relative to what we’ve seen in the past couple of years.”
Despite the expected seasonal dip, prices remain strong compared to historical averages—reflecting tight cattle supplies and continued consumer demand.
Broiler and Pork Production Outlook
Mark Jekanowski, Chairman of the World Agricultural Outlook Board, highlighted updates to production and pricing for other meat commodities:
- Broilers:
- Slaughter rates have been very strong, prompting USDA to raise its 2025 broiler production forecast by 40 million pounds.
- Expectations for ongoing strength led to an additional 70 million–pound increase for 2026.
- Broiler exports are also forecast slightly higher due to increased supplies.
- Pork:
- Lower expected production next year is projected to strengthen the market.
- Jekanowski noted, “Hog prices, we expect to see some strengthening prices next year, given the lower production that we’re anticipating relative to where we were in September.”
- USDA raised its 2026 pork price forecast by $1 per hundredweight.
These projections provide producers and industry stakeholders with a clearer picture of price movements and production trends as they prepare for the upcoming year.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.