WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE) report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for February (PDF Version) points to tighter dynamics and stronger prices across much of the livestock and dairy complex in 2026, even as total red meat and poultry production edges higher.
Beef and pork production were both revised upward, while poultry output was trimmed, reflecting shifting herd dynamics, disease impacts, and evolving demand.
Beef production is now projected to be higher due to increased slaughter of steers, heifers, and cows, along with slightly heavier dressed weights. While the January Cattle Inventory report confirmed a smaller 2025 calf crop, USDA expects more cattle outside feedlots to be available for placement early in 2026. Pork production was also higher due to higher slaughter levels and modestly heavier weights in the first half of the year.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
In contrast, broiler and turkey production forecasts were lowered for early 2026. Recent hatchery data and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza-related culling weighed on poultry and egg production, tightening supplies into the first quarter.
Trade and price outlooks turned supportive. Beef imports rose due to strong demand for lean processing beef, while pork exports increased due to improved competitiveness. Fed-cattle and hog prices were raised across all quarters, and the all-milk price was lifted to $18.95 per hundredweight.
Watch highlights and reactions to the February WASDE Report from today’s Market Day Report:
China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
January 13, 2026 02:13 PM
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USDA flash corn sales, Cattle on Feed and Inventory reports, and beef packer antitrust concerns dominate January agricultural market news.
January 13, 2026 01:53 PM
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Larger grain stocks increase supply pressure, but strong fall disappearance — especially for corn and sorghum — suggests demand remains an important offset.
January 13, 2026 01:02 PM
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Record corn and sorghum crops boost feed grain supplies, while reduced soybean and cotton production tighten outlooks for oilseeds and fiber markets.
January 13, 2026 12:53 PM
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Food prices increased in December, but not as much as expected, according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
January 13, 2026 12:46 PM
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Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to provide analysis on the January WASDE report and expectations for grain markets going forward.
January 13, 2026 12:34 PM
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Structural efficiency supports cattle prices and resilience — breaking it risks higher costs and greater volatility.
January 13, 2026 08:00 AM
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Strong pork demand and improving beef exports outside China support protein markets despite ongoing trade barriers.
January 13, 2026 06:00 AM
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Market reaction was bearish for corn and soybeans, with analysts noting that abundant supplies amid tepid demand could keep price pressure on agricultural commodities.
January 12, 2026 03:51 PM
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