Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook, May 2009: Hog Prices are Expected To Recover in June

摘要

This monthly report, presented in a newsletter format, provides current intelligence and forecasts the effects of changing conditions in the U.S. livestock, dairy, and poultry sectors. Topics include current production, consumption, trade, prices received, and more. Periodically, special reports on specific commodity issues also are released in this series. USDA revised second-quarter hog prices downward, to reflect price weakness in April and negative effects of H1N1 flu virus in May. June prices are expected to recover from May lows. Broiler production is expected to increase modestly in 2010, after an expected decrease of 4 percent in 2009. Herd contraction and below-trend increases in output per cow combine to lower milk production in 2009. Poor economic conditions worldwide and a strong U.S. dollar are hampering demand for U.S. beef abroad. U.S. beef imports have increased over 2008 and could continue as foreign exporters send beef to the United States in lieu of other declining international markets. Drought concerns are decreasing due to recent rains in many areas. Cow slaughter has begun a seasonal decline, compounded by a wait-and-see attitude on the part of dairy producers with respect to the Cooperatives Working Together program announced last month. This month's LDP report contains boxes on the veal industry and organic dairy.