The USDA has lowered it's forecast for total red meat and poultry production from a month ago.
The department says lower beef production more than offsets increases in U-S pork and broiler production.
American fed cattle slaughter is now expected to be lower in the first quarter while cow slaughter remains higher than expected.
The boost in pork production is based on higher first quarter slaughter and slightly heavier carcass weights.
The department has lowered it's projected hog price for the year while keeping the cattle price forecast unchanged.
The USDA now expects the average price for barrows and gilts this year to run between 53 and 57 dollars - down a dollar from February.
U-S steer prices are still expected to average 157-167 for the year.
