Hog price forecast rises as USDA reduces pork production outlook

The USDA has slightly reduced its 2026 production forecast for red meat and poultry to 108.281 billion pounds, with decreased red meat output more than offsetting increased poultry production. According to the August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report released Wednesday, pork production dipped 79 million pounds to 27.876 billion pounds, based on official data from the first half of the year, combined with a reduced slaughter pace and marginally lighter carcass weights during t