WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE) Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows livestock markets experiencing mixed momentum, as cattle and hog production move lower while dairy output continues to grow.
The update gives producers an early view of how slaughter trends, disease pressures, and product prices may shape margins over the next year. Beef and cattle markets see the most signs of tightening, hog supplies are slipping as slaughter slows, and dairy faces downward pressure from larger milk volumes.
For cattle, the USDA lowered 2025 beef production on reduced steer and heifer slaughter and lighter weights, even though cow and bull slaughter is expected to rise. Prices for the fourth quarter of 2025 were revised down and are forecast to remain soft into early 2026. The agency also lowered 2026 beef output as the slower fed-cattle marketings are expected to extend into next year.
Hog markets show similar signs of tightening: USDA reduced 2025 pork production due to a slower slaughter pace that outweighs heavier carcass weights. Updated inventory data also point to smaller hog supplies in 2026, prompting the USDA to raise its 2026 hog price outlook even as late-2025 prices ease.
Dairy markets are moving in the opposite direction. USDA raised milk production forecasts for both 2025 and 2026 on higher cow inventories and stronger productivity. Larger milk supplies are pushing product prices lower — particularly butter, cheese, and nonfat dry milk — leading to reduced Class III and Class IV values. The all-milk price is now forecast at $21.05/cwt for 2025 and $19.25/cwt for 2026. Dairy exports, however, were increased due to competitive butter, cheese, and whey markets.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Cattle and hog supplies continue to tighten while dairy output expands, creating a split outlook in which red-meat prices soften and milk values come under pressure from larger supplies.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Expect incremental near-term lift for feed grains, proteins, and ethanol as tariff cuts and smoother approvals translate into real orders.
October 29, 2025 03:04 PM
·
Cattle markets are collapsing this week, and analysts say that several factors are at play. Consumer beef prices also remain near all-time highs, threatening long-term demand.
October 29, 2025 12:58 PM
·
Trade pacts with Malaysia and Cambodia unlock tariff-free and preferential lanes for key U.S. farm goods, expanding long-term demand in Southeast Asia.
October 28, 2025 02:08 PM
·
Alan Bjerga, Senior Vice President of Communications with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), shares updates and resources available to dairy producers.
October 28, 2025 02:03 PM
·
FarmHER Erin Cumings shares how Nationwide’s “Every STEP Counts” helps farm and agribusiness owners prioritize safety.
October 28, 2025 01:21 PM
·
The idea of buying more beef from Argentina does not sit well with much of farm country, raising some questions from analysts and producers.
October 28, 2025 01:20 PM
·
The President’s trip to Asia this week follows a trade mission by the Iowa Soybean Association. Farmers say they were reminded that U.S. soybeans have an international reputation that can be easy to take for granted here at home.
October 28, 2025 11:28 AM
·
Harvest Marches on as River Logistics And Inputs Steer Bids
October 27, 2025 04:09 PM
·
John Appel with the Farmers Business Network (FBN) joins us for a closer look at the 2026 Crop Protection Market Outlook Report.
October 27, 2025 01:00 PM
·
