WASHINGTON, DC – USDA’s June livestock outlook points to a mixed year for producers, with tighter beef supplies supporting cattle prices while larger dairy, pork, poultry, and egg supplies pressure some markets.
The Economic Research Service lowers 2026 beef production to 25.438 billion pounds, while pork is forecast at 27.995 billion pounds. Broiler production is projected at 49.377 billion pounds, and table-egg output is expected to rise 4.4 percent.
Cattle prices remain the strongest part of the report. Slaughter steer prices are raised to $250.16 per hundredweight for 2026, while hog, broiler, egg, and all-milk price forecasts show softer pressure.
Trade signals are mixed. Beef exports are lowered, beef imports remain elevated, pork exports are raised, and dairy exports are expected to improve.
The next livestock report on July 16 will show whether supply growth continues to outrun demand in several protein markets.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Livestock producers should watch both production growth and price pressure before making feed, marketing, and cash-flow decisions.