USA – Meat production for 2011 projected to be slightly higher

Total U.S. meat production for 2011 is projected to be slightly higher than 2010 as increased pork and poultry production more than offset declines in beef production. Beef production for 2011 declines on tighter supplies of cattle. Declining cow inventories and calf crops over the past several years, coupled with expected lower imports of cattle during 2011 will result in a smaller pool of cattle available for slaughter. Pork production for 2011 is expected to increase as improved returns encourage increased sows farrowing and carcass weights are heavier. Both

For 2011, cattle prices are forecast to rise as demand improves and production declines. Hog prices are forecast lower due to increased production.