See the latest Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook report.
Report Summary
Beef/Cattle: The January Cattle report confirms historically tight supplies of cattle heading into 2025. However, some relief was provided in the form of a larger calf crop in 2024 than previously expected and the reintroduction of Mexican feeder cattle into the supply chain beginning in February. Projected beef production in 2025 is raised to 26.565 billion pounds, up 775 million pounds from last month. This is based on increased cattle supplies available for placement and heavy cattle slaughter weights early in the year being carried forward. Slaughter cattle prices in 2025 are raised on firm demand and the fact that cattle available for placement in feedlots will still be less than last year despite more feeder calves being available than previously expected. This year’s import forecast is unchanged from last month at 4.770 billion pounds. However, export projections are raised from last month to 2.795 billion pounds on increased beef production available for export.