“Flat At Best": Meat and poultry production to slow despite 2022’s robust profits

CoBank expects U.S. meat and poultry consumption to be flat at best in 2023. That is after setting highs in 2022.

Production is expected to drop 2 billion pounds as a result of shrinking cattle supplies, but marginal gains in chicken and pork will offset the decline in beef.
USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer says that this year producers will be looking for things that might prompt a build-up of their cattle herd. Hopefully through easing drought conditions and forage availability.

“That will be one of the deciding factors, right? Do you have forage conditions necessary to support a herd rebuild,” he explains.

USDA reports that the rebuilding process could still take almost two years.

Related Stories
National Milk Producers Federation: “Getting a contract hammered out as soon as possible is what we’re calling for, for the betterment of the industry”

Agriculture Shows
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.
Host Ben Bailey hops in the tractor cab, giving farmers 10 minutes to answer as many questions and grab as much cash as they can for their local FFA chapter.