For 2012, U.S. pork production is forecast higher despite total meat production forecast being reduced due to lower beef and broiler production forecasts, according to the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
While the recent Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report indicated that producers intend to reduce farrowings through early 2013, it is expected that continued growth in pigs per litter will mitigate much of the decline in farrowings.
U.S. pork exports are unchanged for 2012 but are raised slightly on expected late 2013 improvements in sales, while imports are reduced slightly for 2013.
