USDA Issues July Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook

The 2025 beef production forecast is lowered on the slower expected pace of cattle slaughter in the second half of the year.

Beef production in 2026 is adjusted upward on greater anticipated marketings. 2025 slaughter steer prices are adjusted higher based on price data through June, and the 2026 forecast is unchanged from June.

In dairy, based on recent data in milk cow inventory, dairy cow slaughter, and expectations of favorable margins in the near-term, the forecasts for the average number of dairy cows, milk per cow, and total milk production have all been revised upward for this year and 2026.

Total commercial pork production in 2025 is forecast at 28 billion pounds, 0.9 percent higher than in 2024. In 2026, pork production is forecast at 28.5 billion pounds, 1.6 percent greater than this year.

In poultry, projected broiler production is adjusted higher in 2025 on strong slaughter weights and near-term hatchery indicators.