Meat & Poultry news

US beef packers fall back underwater as the cutout weakens

US packers lost money last week for the first time since mid-August as the choice beef cutout headed for its lowest average since late July, LEAP reports.

US breast meat firms out of season while chick placements slow

US boneless skinless breast meat caught a rare autumn bid while weekly broiler chick placements fell to their smallest total of 2026, LEAP reports.

Feedyard losses near $500 a head, and placements fell 12%

September placements came in below every analyst estimate at a 12% drop, with feedyards absorbing losses near $500 a head and slow-rolling cattle in.

Record EU broiler supply meets the worst Newcastle year in two decades

EU broiler prices eased for a second week on record production, while Newcastle Disease outbreaks hit a 20-year high and Polish prices fell to a 2021 low.

US broiler weights are flattening after decades of gains

Six-week average liveweight was 1.7% below a year ago, and LEAP sees bird weights turning from a growth engine into a neutral one, tightening 2027 supply.

Ribs are holding the US beef cutout up on their own

Every primal except the rib is set to decline this week, and LEAP reads the split as a picture of what is happening to US consumers at different income levels.

US broiler growth is slowing toward the first down year since 2012

September hatchings barely grew, breeder productivity fell for a third straight month, and LEAP now expects US broiler production to ease back in 2027.

LEAP sees the US choice beef cutout down 5% to 10% in 2027

Wholesale beef demand has softened, retail beef hit an eight-month low in September, and LEAP Market Analytics expects lower cattle prices through year-end.

LEAP targets a 15% to 20% rise in US breast meat prices for 2027

US broiler supply growth is slowing and frozen breast meat stocks are at a two-year low, while LEAP sees room for breast meat prices to rise in 2027.

Newcastle disease hits a 20-year high while EU chicken prices ease

EU broiler prices fell for a third week to €187/100kg on record supply, while Newcastle disease outbreaks reached 157 this year, the most in two decades.

European pig prices break lower after a strong year

German and Dutch pig prices fell about 10% in a month on oversupply. See where European pork prices head in our free Meat & Poultry Q4 outlook.

Poland stays the swing factor as EU chicken heads into autumn

EU chicken output is growing but has turned more volatile, with Polish production down about 20% in July, while bird flu and Newcastle disease stay contained.

EU poultry prices pull back as bird migration starts

European poultry output is running 4.4% ahead of last year and prices have come off their 2026 highs, just as the autumn bird migration season begins.

Fresh 50s fall below $100 after starting August above $150

Fresh 50% lean trimmings have fallen below $100 per cwt from above $150 in early August, implying the weakest 50s demand in two years.

Dark meat's run cools and leg quarters head for the $0.40s

Bulk leg quarters have come off a record just above $0.60 a pound to $0.52-0.54. LEAP expects the mid-to-upper $0.40s through fall and winter before a recovery.

Beef packers flip to profit while feeders take the loss

The choice cutout has averaged below year-ago levels for 12 straight weeks, and packer margins swung from $250 a head in the red to $150 in the black.

The audit ends a day after Brazil loses EU poultry access

New EU antimicrobial rules took effect on 3 September and the audit of Brazilian producers finished on the 4th. Brussels has set no timeline to restore access.

US broiler output grows at its fastest pace since 2004

US ready-to-cook broiler production is up 4.2% this year, and the cutout has fallen to the mid-$0.70s from over $1.10. Feed costs are the next worry.

US cattle placements fall 11% and feedyard losses deepen

July placements came in at 1.42 million head, well short of every estimate, while feedyards carry cash losses of $300 to $400 a head and rising corn costs.

US chicken breast demand hits its weakest point in years

Wholesale demand for boneless skinless chicken breast has slumped to its worst level in years even as broiler supply keeps growing, LEAP Market Analytics says.

Egg markets diverge: Europe steadies while the US rally unwinds

Europe's egg market has stopped falling while the US posts its first broad weekly decline of its rally, and egg powder is now pricing off a different cycle.

EU sets an audit timeline for Brazil's poultry ban, opens a duck dispute with China

The EU has attached a firm audit calendar to Brazil's poultry suspension and opened a new anti-dumping case against Chinese duck imports.

Europe's egg prices cool while the US market climbs again

European egg prices keep sliding on soft summer demand while US wholesale prices for large white eggs roughly tripled from early-July lows on tight supply.

Spain's Newcastle disease outbreaks nearly triple; Brazil braces for an EU ban

Newcastle disease outbreaks nearly tripled in Spain in two weeks while Brazil faces an EU poultry export ban from September, tightening the supply outlook.

Poultry week 28: heat losses in Europe, record exports from Brazil

A record heatwave cut European poultry supply while Spain's Newcastle Disease cases and Brazil trade tensions add risk. Vesper's week 28 poultry view.

Egg markets split as Europe nears a floor and US prices firm

The two big egg markets are pulling apart: Europe is still easing from its spring peak but slowing, while US prices firm as stocks tighten and demand picks up.

California almonds firm up as May shipments beat expectations

The California almond market is holding firm into the close of the crop year, after a May position report that beat trade expectations on shipments and sales.

Brazil sets a poultry export record, but EU access hangs in the balance

Brazil posted its strongest poultry export month on record in May 2026, with chicken revenue topping $1 billion, yet EU market access hangs in the balance.

Egg prices fall on both sides of the Atlantic, for opposite reasons

Egg prices are falling in Europe and the US for opposite reasons, with cheap uncertified Eastern European supply pressuring caged and barn eggs in the EU.

Pistachio and peanut supplies tighten as hazelnuts stay soft

The nut complex is splitting between tightening tree nuts and a soft hazelnut market, with the 2026 US pistachio crop projected near 800 million lb, down 50%.

Chicken prices fell across the board last month, but the autumn outlook points higher

Brazilian chicken breast fillet led a broad poultry decline, dropping 16% to around €2,890 per tonne, in a month where every benchmark Vesper tracks fell.

Brazil loses EU poultry access from September; the authorisation body meets too late to fix it

The European Commission has confirmed Brazil cannot export poultry meat to the EU from 3 September 2026, after missing the antimicrobial compliance list.

EU egg prices correct from highs; heatwave hits at the worst possible moment

European egg prices are falling across all categories on rising imports from Eastern Europe and Turkey, seasonal weakness, and record pullet placements.

Record May temperatures lift European grain futures as US crop weather eases CBOT

European and US grains diverged, with Euronext milling wheat up to EUR 214/mt while CBOT SRW wheat fell to 648 cents/bu from 678 on easing crop weather.

US cattle placements post largest year-on-year gain in nearly two years

April cattle on feed placements reached 1.70 million head, up 5.5% year on year and the largest gain since July 2024, according to USDA's latest report.

Imported beef hits a record 23.4% of US supply in Q1

US beef imports reached 599 million pounds in March, up 19% year on year, lifting Q1 to nearly 1.71 billion pounds and 23.4% of total domestic supply.

European eggs cool while the US flips from scarcity to surplus

European eggs are easing from post-Easter highs, but unevenly: caged and standard soften on Eastern European supply while free-range stays tight on disease.

US broiler supply keeps climbing while breast meat demand cools

US chick placements topped 1.18 billion over the six weeks to May 2nd, up 2.8% year on year, according to LEAP Market Analytics, as breast demand cools.

California almond shipments beat March expectations, Turkey absorbs Middle East rerouting

California almond shipments reached 257.99 million lbs in March, well above the roughly 225 million expected and up 16.5% on last March's 221.37 million.

Nordic Sugar to close Porkalla refinery, first EU standalone closure since end of quotas

Nordic Sugar will close its standalone refinery at Porkalla, Finland and move raw sugar refining to its beet factory, the first such EU closure since quotas.

China set to overtake Brazil as world's top chicken meat producer

USDA forecasts point to a 5% rise in Chinese poultry output in 2026, enough to push China past Brazil as the world's largest chicken meat producer.

US egg prices fall below production cost while Europe stays tight

The post-Easter egg market is moving two ways: US supply has rebuilt strongly with no new HPAI cases in laying flocks, while Europe stays tight.

US broiler production on track for strongest growth in two decades

US broiler ready-to-cook output is set to rise around 3.0% in 2026, with key cut prices recovered from early-year lows but still well below year-ago levels.

Australian beef exports hit near-record volumes in March 2026

Australia's beef exports hit 149,973 tonnes in March 2026, up 33% year on year and the second-highest monthly total on record, on broad-based demand.

Australian sheep meat exports decline sharply in March as MENA shipments contract

Australian lamb and mutton exports fell to 42,656 tonnes in March 2026, down 24% year on year and 6% below the five-year average, as MENA flows contracted.

US broiler exports slip in early 2026 with domestic dark meat demand providing support

US broiler exports started 2026 muted, with February shipments just under 524 million pounds, 4.3% below last year and cumulative volumes down 1.1%.

European egg market enters Easter under supply pressure

Europe's egg market enters Easter with firm demand, limited supply and elevated retail prices, as disease outbreaks and staggered holidays tighten the picture.

Middle East conflict drives Brazilian chicken prices higher

Brazilian chicken prices reversed sharply in week 14, with whole bird and cut prices up 5% to 7%, driven by further escalation of the Middle East conflict.

European egg shortage deepens ahead of Easter as disease outbreaks hit supply

Europe's egg market is under severe pressure 15 days from Easter, as HPAI and Newcastle Disease outbreaks force the culling of millions of laying hens.

Record Brazilian exports push global poultry prices lower

Global poultry heads into late March broadly bearish, with Brazilian and Thai origins falling across whole birds, breast meat and wings on record exports.

Wholesale beef prices rally sharply, but correction seen ahead

Wholesale beef has climbed fast, with the choice cutout up nearly $30 in three weeks and loins leading the move, though a correction is seen ahead.

US broiler market: weak export start, steady domestic demand

US broiler exports started 2026 slowly at 524 million pounds in January, while domestic dark meat markets have held relatively steady. What is shaping both.

European beef market forecast 2026: structural herd contraction keeps upward price pressure in place

Cattle and beef prices are expected to keep rising into 2026, driven by continued regulatory pressure on producers and a self-reinforcing herd contraction.

European chicken market forecast 2026: prices fall on Brazilian import increase, avian flu risk persists

European chicken prices have fallen sharply since the ban on Brazilian poultry was lifted, as exports from Brazil to Europe more than tripled from November.

European egg market forecast 2026: avian flu outbreaks keep supply tight and prices elevated through Q1

Mass avian flu outbreaks have persisted through Q1 2026, with extensive cullings across major European producers keeping supply tight and prices elevated.

European pork market forecast 2026: African Swine Fever in Spain redirects volumes to EU markets, pressuring prices

The EU sow herd is forecast to shrink again in 2026 on environmental restructuring, with feed prices favourable but labour and energy keeping costs elevated.

Olive oil market forecast 2026: production normalises after two volatile seasons, prices expected to hold broadly stable

Extra virgin olive oil peaked near EUR 5,000/mt EXW Spain in November 2025, fell to EUR 4,300/mt in January and has since recovered to about EUR 4,600/mt.

Sugar market forecast: raw, white, sweeteners

Sugar in 2026 is a surplus market, but the headline hides a lot: energy, Brazilian cane allocation and European supply all pull the picture in different ways.

Sunflower oil market forecast 2026: prices firm on tight supply as Argentine shipments to Europe surge

FOB 6-port crude sunflower oil has risen to USD 1,485/mt from around USD 1,400 at the start of the year, on tight supply and firm Brent crude prices.

US Dairy forecast: milk, butter, smp, cheeses, WPC80

The US dairy market entered 2026 expected to be well supplied. That has changed: butter is tight, powder is tight, and whey protein is the tightest in years.

Walnut market forecast 2026: abundant California supply offers buyers a favourable window

California's 2025 walnut crop came in at 801,432 inshell tons, 13% above the USDA estimate, leaving prices below production cost for many growers.

Australian beef exports rise as tight US supply boosts demand

Australian beef exports rose 11% year on year in February to 130,884 tonnes, as tight US cattle supply and a 42% price discount lifted global demand.

US wholesale beef prices rise as slaughter slows and supplies tighten

US wholesale beef prices rose to the highest level since September as packers cut slaughter amid heavy losses and tighter cattle supply.

European poultry market remains under pressure after brief February recovery

A brief February recovery on the return of school meals and monthly salaries has not reversed the broader downward trend in European poultry prices.

US broiler slaughter rebounds sharply after winter disruption, but growth expected to slow

US broiler slaughter rebounded to 178.4 million head in early February, up 5.6% year on year, after winter storms slowed the final two weeks of January.

Europe faces Easter egg shortage as Poland loses 5 million laying hens

Poland has lost at least 5 million laying hens in six weeks, nearly 10% of national capacity, pointing to severe Easter egg shortages across Europe.

Polish chicken prices fall as Avian Influenza outbreak triggers 2.79 million bird cull

Poland reported 22 new avian influenza outbreaks and culled 2.79 million birds, sending Polish chicken breast prices down 3.7% while French prices rose.

U.S. broiler production forecast at 1.5% growth for 2026

US broiler production is projected at 48.7 billion pounds in 2026, up 1.5%, a downward revision from 2.1% after LEAP analysts adjusted their weight assumptions.

US calf crop falls 1.6% as beef supply tightens through 2026

USDA's cattle report put the 2025 US calf crop down 1.6% at just under 32.9 million head, with beef cow inventories off 1.0% and supply tight through 2026.

US beef cattle on feed placements decline 5.4% in December as margin pressure weighs

December cattle on feed placements fell 5.4% to 1.55 million head, as feedyards under margin pressure cut back on sourcing replacement stock.

European poultry fillet prices face continued pressure after holiday demand fades

Chicken breast and fillet prices fell across Europe in January as holiday demand faded, extending a decline that began in the second half of 2025.

US broiler production projected at 49 billion pounds in 2026 despite inventory headwinds

US broiler production is forecast at 49.0 billion pounds ready-to-cook in 2026, up 2.1%, though the hatchery supply flock still trails prior-year totals.

EU egg market faces structural supply pressure as avian influenza culls and trade restrictions tighten availability

Empty shelves across Austria, Germany and France signal structural supply tightness in EU egg markets. HPAI culls, slow restocking

US cattle placements projected to decline 4.9% in December amid border restrictions

December cattle placements are projected at 1.56 million head, down 4.9% year on year, as Mexico border restrictions and weak feedyard margins weigh.

US broiler availability hits record high as wholesale prices weaken in Q4

US per capita broiler availability hit a record 18.9 pounds boneless in Q3 2025, up 3.5% year on year, while wholesale prices languished through Q4.

Broiler cutout value forecast missed actual 2025 average by less than two cents

2025 broiler forecast was nearly $1.00/lb vs actual, with leg quarters showing 1% error and premium cuts exceeding 10% deviation.

Cattle feeder margins deteriorate despite strong beef demand outlook

U.S. cattle feeders face losses exceeding $500/head by early 2026 after Tyson's Nebraska plant closure alters margin dynamics.

Egg markets face dual pressure from avian flu outbreaks and rising energy costs

Germany reports 25 farm cases and France 33, the Netherlands has culled 62,000 hens, and Arctic weather is driving a sharp November energy cost spike.

Tyson Foods closure of Nebraska plant reshapes beef packing capacity amid DOJ scrutiny

Tyson is closing its Lexington, Nebraska fed cattle plant and streamlining Amarillo, cutting over 4,900 jobs as the DOJ investigates the Big Four packers.

US broiler production growth accelerates to largest quarterly increase since early 2023

Ready-to-cook broiler production rose 2.7% year on year over the six weeks to November 15, the largest quarterly increase since Q1 2023, per USDA-AMS.

Broiler market under pressure as thigh meat demand weakens

Boneless skinless thigh meat demand has fallen below its baseline for the first time in two years, with prices projected to drop 15-20% through 2026.

Beef grading reaches record highs as choice-select spread narrows

Cattle grading performance has reached all-time highs for the season, with prime near 12.8% and choice at 73.2%, while the choice-select spread narrows.

Ground beef prices spike to $300 per cwt as grinds complex rallies

73% lean ground beef jumped from just over $270 to around $300 per cwt in a week, but analysts expect the rally in the grinds complex to prove fleeting.

Black Sea sunflower crop concerns drive prices higher as supply outlook tightens

Sunflower oil rose $20/mt to $1,375/mt as Ukrainian crop estimates fell to 10.5-11.2 mmt from 12.7 mmt last year on poor yields and excessive rainfall.

EU considers 300% expansion of Ukrainian egg import quotas amid food safety concerns

The EU weighs a 300% expansion of Ukrainian egg import quotas as antibiotic residue detections raise food safety concerns for industrial egg users.

HPAI returns to Northern Europe after months of calm

Avian influenza outbreaks have returned to the Netherlands and Denmark, marking the start of the winter risk period as shell egg prices move seasonally up.

Sunflower oil prices climb as crop forecasts deteriorate across key producing regions

Crude sunflower oil for November-December delivery rose $10/mt to $1,360/mt at Ukrainian ports, as crop forecasts in Ukraine and Russia keep deteriorating.

Broiler market shows stark divide as breast prices plunge while thigh meat holds ground

US broiler market shows unusual split with breast meat down $0.30+ from averages while thigh prices hold near 5-year norms.

Beef prices face pressure as wholesale demand shows signs of cooling

Wholesale beef prices have fallen sharply since Labor Day with chuck cuts leading lower. What the demand shift means for fourth-quarter procurement.

US wholesale beef prices drop nearly $9 as demand weakens beyond seasonal norms

US choice cutout prices fell nearly $9 last week with spot trade pointing to another $10 drop, a decline running well beyond the usual seasonal pattern.

Rapeseed supply expands while sunflower markets tighten amid harvest delays

Ukrainian sunflower crop drops to 13.56 mmt while rapeseed forecasts rise 700k mt in Australia. Palm oil gains $20/mt on Malaysian supply concerns. Analysis.

Trump tariffs begin in India, with rice, dairy, and tea amongst products impacted

US tariffs of 50% on most imports from India kick in today, affecting key commodities like basmati rice, spices, pulses, tea and dairy.

US broiler production growth capped at 1.5% as breeder inventories decline

US broiler growth is capped as the hatchery supply flock falls to 60.2 million hens at August 1, down 2.3% from 61.6 million a year earlier.

US milk production reaches highest growth since 2021 as southern states lead expansion

US milk production posted its strongest growth in over three years in July, with western states up 3.59% year on year and southern regions above 7.5%.

Starch procurement faces uncertainty as Trump tariffs reshape supply chains

Trump's 10% tariffs on major starch exporters create procurement challenges as food demand stays strong but industrial applications weaken.

Cattle feeding margins hit potential cycle peak amid record corn yields and increased replacement costs

Cattle feeders hit $600+ per head returns from record corn yields and strong fed cattle prices, but surging feeder cattle costs to $344/cwt.

Core reason U.S. beef production won’t rebound until 2027

Learn why U.S. beef production won't rebound until 2027, what's driving the delay, and how procurement teams should strategically prepare.

US dairy markets stabilize as tariff extension removes immediate trade pressure

US dairy markets stabilize after tariff extension as heat wave impacts supply. Weekly analysis of CME trading, butter prices, and divergent export trends.

Summer calm masks powder procurement urgency as egg markets stabilize

European egg prices resist summer drops while US processing hits 2025 highs. Powder buyers face mounting urgency as forward contracts resume at higher prices.

Egg powder producers face mounting pressure as shell prices remain firm

European egg markets resist summer price drops while US processing hits 2025 highs. Powder producers face mounting pressure as shell egg prices remain stable.

Global Egg markets show signs of stability as Avian Flu pressures begin to ease

European egg prices defy seasonal expectations while US markets correct following Memorial Day. Avian flu impacts ease as markets show cautious optimism.

US dairy market update: FMD concerns, cheese prices fall amid production shifts

Latest US dairy market analysis shows declining cheese prices despite regional production growth, while FMD crosses borders in Europe.

The Global Impact of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on the Dairy Market

Explore the impact of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on the global dairy market, from price shifts and buyer preferences to trade bans.

Palm Oil and Soybean Oil Prices: Latest Updates and Future Projections

Stay updated on palm oil and soybean oil prices, with insights from the latest MPOB report and impact of mineral oil price.

Biodiesel market update: Growing interest to buy, yet making consensus on pricing remains a challenge

The European biodiesel complex has strengthened again on higher LSGO prices and steady buying interest, but buyers and sellers still cannot agree on price.

European sunflower oil Market Update

Explore the latest developments in the European sunflower oil market, including price trends and producer responses in Ukraine.

Indian milk production two years behind schedule, although growth is expected to return

Explore India's milk production trends, import shifts, and growth forecasts on Vesper. Get updated stats and global market insights.

Highlights on the Oils & Fats market: Stability for now, bears on the horizon

A week on from the Turkey and Syria earthquakes the toll has reached 36,000, the deadliest in modern Turkish history. Oils and fats hold stable for now.

Report shows renewable diesel demand could impact US soybean exports

Rising US renewable diesel demand could halt the country's soybean exports by 2030, according to CoBank research reported by The Western Producer.

Turkey Bans Butter Export

Turkey has halted butter exports under HS code 040510 to secure domestic supply, in a ministerial decision of 13 April 2022 that stands until further notice.