April 11, 2013

2 Min Read
Pork Production Estimates Increase for 2013

In issuing its latest forecasts for beef and pork production for the remainder of 2013, Daily Livestock Report or DLR (www.dailylivestockreport.com) reported that the U. S.  Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicts commercial U.S. beef production will be down 0.9% to 24.976 billion pounds, reflecting a notable reduction in cattle slaughter especially in the second half of the year.

USDA’s World Agricultural Demand and Supply Estimates (WASDE) report raised expectations for U.S. commercial pork production, now pegged at 23.522 billion pounds, 130 million pounds or 0.6% larger than the previous forecast in March and 1.1% higher than 2012 production.

DLR authors suggest the adjustment reflects the upward revision in pig crop numbers outlined in the March Hogs and Pigs report. This is a result of anticipated lower feed costs in the second half of the year seen as improving producer profitability and supporting a modest increase in pork production.

 

 

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USDA also lowered its forecast for 2013 pork exports by 160 million pounds or 3% below the forecast in March. As a result, pork exports are expected to be 3.3% smaller in 2013 than they were a year ago.

The combination of more hogs coming to market and less pork being exported means there will be more pork on the domestic market, helping keep pork prices in check.

Per capita consumption of pork is now expected to average 46.8 lb. per person, 2% higher than a year ago.

Also impacting U.S. beef and pork exports was the recent announcement by Canada that it would impose about $1 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods in response to the impact of the mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) on Canadian beef and pork shipped to the United States.     

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