The USDA’s 2024 meat production projections were mixed on the month.

Beef is seen at 26.185 billion pounds, up 75 million from January, expecting a higher rate of slaughter in the second half of the year, along with heavier carcass weights, with an average steer price of $180 per hundredweight, a gain of $2, steady imports and larger imports and consumption.

Pork is pegged at 27.88 billion pounds, down 90 million due to slower slaughter, with an average barrow and gilt price of $60, up $2, and higher exports, along with slower imports and consumption.

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