Little Change in Meat Supply Outlook

WASHINGTON - Feb 9/10 - SNS -- Total U.S. meat production for 2010 is little changed as higher beef production is more than offset by lower forecast production of pork and turkey, according to an outlook report from the USDA's World Agricultural Outlook Board.

The Cattle report estimated the cattle numbers on January 1, 2010, declined from the previous year, but implied the number of cattle outside feedlots remains close to last year. Thus, forecast placements and marketings are raised, resulting in higher forecast cattle slaughter.

However, partly offsetting the increase in expected slaughter, cattle weights are reduced for early 2010 due to severe weather which has impacted weight gain. Pork production is reduced as slaughter has been lower than expected and weights slightly lighter.

Turkey production for 2010 was reduced as the pace of growth implied by hatchery data has been less than expected. Broiler meat and egg production forecasts are unchanged from last month. Estimated meat production for 2009 is adjusted to reflect December slaughter data.