Less Beef, Higher Prices for 2015

Farm Journal logo

Less beef production but prices should continue to rise, according to USDA.

The USDA is projecting U.S. beef production to be down in 2015, according to today’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. Overall the projections have 2014 beef production coming in at 1.26 billion lbs. less than last year’s mark of 25.7 billion lbs. The downward trend is expected to continue into 2015 with less than 23.7 billion lbs. of beef production slated.

Feedlots are predicted to raise cattle to heavier weights for the rest of the year and in 2015.

Prices continue to rise in the projections thanks to consumer demand. The October data had beef prices settling at an average of $152.90/cwt. for 2014, but the November projections show a $1.50 increase per cwt. The 2015 projections showed an even bigger increase for November data at $5/cwt. additional to the $149.16/cwt. in October.

Exports are off 1 million lbs. from the October projection, while beef imports show an increase of 139 million lbs. for 2014’s projections.

 

Latest News

Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections
Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to reinstate rules protecting endangered plants and animals, action that would reverse changes made during the Trump Administration that weakened the Endangered Species Act.

Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors
Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors

EPDs from multiple breeds can be compared by adding/subtracting the appropriate adjustment factors to the EPDs resulting from the most recent genetic evaluations for each of 18 breeds.

APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies
APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies

The livestock industry continues to grapple with the first confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle, while federal and state agencies continue to assure consumers there's no concern about the safety of the U.S. milk supply.

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.