With the 2020 soybean planting season cranking up in parts of the country, the U.S. food production system is expected to continue to roll along without interruptions, despite the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak. Economists are forecasting 2020 as a record production year for beef, pork, and poultry.

There is no danger of a food shortage, and the U.S. supply chain will continue to take steps to keep food supplies safe, reliable, and uninterrupted.

The charts below illustrate expectations of U.S. animal protein production this year.

 

Total red meat production is at a record high and is set to continue through the rest of the year, going well above 2019 levels and the historical average.

Weekly production of beef is well above the historical average.

Cattle slaughter is running ahead of both last year and the 5-year average.

Pork production also appears strong. Every single quarter over the last five years was a record in terms of pig numbers. Pork production is expected to continue to rise.

Hog slaughter numbers are similarly robust. Slaughter is well above a year ago and the five-year average.

U.S. poultry production is similarly strong.

Dairy production is increasing as well.

Thanks to the American Farm Bureau Federation for supplying economic analysis and charts.