USDA Expects Modest Gain in Red Meat Output

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/06 - SNS -- Modest increases were made to U.S. meat production forecasts for 2005 and 2006 in updated supply and demand forecast released by the USDA's World Agricultural Outlook Board.

In releasing the updates, the USDA cautioned, "Due to uncertainties as to the length of the bans on trade in ruminants and ruminant products because of the discovery of BSE in the United States and Canada, forecasts for 2006 assume a continuation of policies currently in place among U.S. trading partners. Subsequent forecasts will reflect any announced changes."

Beef and pork production forecasts for 2005 are slightly changed to reflect preliminary December slaughter information. Beef production in 2006 is raised to reflect increased cattle imports.

Although the December 28 Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report indicated stability in U.S. pork production, increased swine imports result in higher 2006 pork production.

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