Source: USDA AMS Agricultural Analytics Division Page 1

Any opinions expressed represent those of the authors for the limited purpose of this newsletter and do not represent the official position of the Department. 

A monthly publication of the USDA AMS, Livestock and Poultry Program, Agricultural Analytics Division September 2021

EGGS

Production

At 675 million dozen, July table egg production rose 4 percent 

monthly and was up 1 percent yearly. At 199 million dozen, 

shell eggs broken were down 1 percent monthly and up 5 

percent yearly. Table egg layers-on-hand were unchanged in 

August at 319 million, up 1 percent from the 2020 level. Eggtype hatching-egg layers-on-hand were up 1 percent monthly 

and down 12 percent yearly to 2.9 million. 

Pullet additions (of both broiler- and egg-type layers) were 

dropped precipitously in July to 25 million, a 10 percent 

decrease from June and 2 percent below the July 2020 average. 

Production of egg-type hatching eggs was down 3 percent 

monthly to 6.2 million dozen, down 10 percent from July 2020. 

As shown in the Figure, broiler-type hatching egg layers-onhand on the first of the August were down 0.7 percent monthly 

at 62.8 million. Despite still being up percent from the previous 

year, the retreat of broiler-laying flock from previous highs 

between April to June, in conjunction with the decline in pullet 

additions, may be signaling diminished broiler industry 

optimism about a strong post-pandemic production expansion. 

Despite this adjustment, broiler-type hatching egg production 

was still up 2 percent monthly in July to 100.8 million dozen, up 

3 percent from its 2020 level. 

Price

Egg prices rose sharply across the board in August. As shown in 

the Figure, the New York shell egg price rose 22.4 percent 

monthly to $1.33 per dozen, 48 percent above the previous 

year’s level. The monthly National Index price rose 34 percent 

monthly to $0.80 per dozen, 59 percent higher than the August 

2020 level. The Central States Breaking Stock price rose 29 

percent to $0.63 per dozen, 54 percent above the 2020 level.

International Trade

In volume terms, U.S. shell egg exports in July rose 3 percent 

monthly to 14.5 million dozen but remained up 40 percent 

compared to July 2020. In value terms, exports rose less than 1 

percent monthly to $12.9 million, 104 percent above the 2020 

value. Egg product exports decreased 11 percent to 3,017 MTs, 

down 12 percent yearly. In value terms, egg product exports 

decreased 3 percent to $12.1 million, up 6 percent yearly.

TURKEY

Production

July turkey production decreased 6 percent monthly to 4.58 

million pounds, 9 percent below the 2020 level. Similarly, 

turkey slaughter increased 6 percent to 17.9 million, also 9 

percent below the 2020 level. Total turkey in cold storage rose 

seasonally 7 percent to 436 million pounds in July but was down 

17 percent yearly, a reduction that suggests a continuation of 

tight supply conditions into the holiday season. Stocks increases 

were primarily oriented to whole birds with toms up 12 percent 

and hens up 20 percent. Whole breast and legs stocks showed 

minor changes of 2 percent increase for breasts and 2 decrease 

for legs. Mechanically deboned meat (MDM) stocks decreased 

17 percent. Reflecting production decreases, stocks were down 

annually across all major categories except whole tom birds. 

Despite showing continued seasonal increases, future 

indicators for turkey continue to lag 2020 levels. Poult 

placements rose 7 percent monthly in July to 22.3 million, but 

remained down 3 percent from the 2020 level. Poults hatched 

rose 4 percent in July to 22.6 million but remained down 5 

percent yearly. Turkey eggs in incubators rose 3 percent to 26.8 

million, down 3 percent from the previous year’s level. 

Price

Tight supplies have allowed turkey prices to continue their 

steady increase in 2021 across most categories. The price of 

whole frozen toms fell less than 1 percent to $1.26 per pound. 

The price of whole frozen hens rose 5 percent to $1.29 per 

pound. Fresh bird prices of both hens and toms rose to $1.46 

per pound, up 3-4 percent monthly. For whole birds, on an 

annual basis, fresh prices are up 18-19 percent and frozen prices 

are up 14-17 percent. Turkey part markets are typically 

characterized by light trading in August. Drums and thigh prices 

were unchanged at $1.06 and $2.03 per pound, respectively, 

and still up 49 percent and 30 percent annually. Breast prices 

rose 14 percent to $2.92 per pound, up 41 percent annually.

International Trade

In volume terms, turkey exports fell 2 percent to 21.1 thousand 

MTs, 1 percent below the June 2020 level. In value terms, 

exports rose 7 % to 61.9 million, up 41 percent yearly. Mexico 

topped export destination with a 69 percent share.
Source: USDA AMS Agricultural Analytics Division Page 2

Any opinions expressed represent those of the authors for the limited purpose of this newsletter and do not represent the official position of the Department. 

CHICKEN

Production

Production of young chickens on a ready-to-cook (RTC) basis fell 

4.6 percent monthly in August to 3.7 billion pounds, the same 

as the 2020 level. Broiler slaughter similarly fell 5 percent 

monthly to 768 million head, 2.3 percent below the July 2020 

level. Broiler eggs set fell 10 percent in August to 951 million, 

down 7 percent from 2020. Broiler chicks placed also fell 10 

percent monthly to 741 million, down 9 percent yearly. The 

most recent 4-week average has broiler chicks placed up 0.5 

percent compared to 2020. 

Total stocks of chicken (including paws) in cold storage at the 

end of July fell 1 percent monthly to 734 million pounds, down 

16 percent from its 2020 level. Stocks of whole broilers fell 8 

percent monthly and are down 55 percent yearly. Stocks of 

lightly processed cuts, including leg quarters, bone-in thighs, 

and wings – increased by 10 percent or more in Augusts with 

wings and leg quarters within 5 percent of the 2020 level. Cuts 

requiring more processing seeing declines of 7 percent for 

breasts and legs and modest gains of 2 percent for boneless 

thighs. Stocks of breasts, legs, and boneless thighs are down 11, 

43, and 51 percent from the previous year. 

Price

The National Composite Whole Body broiler price fell 1 percent 

monthly to $1.06 per pound, up 48 percent from the 2020 level. 

The boneless, skinless breast price fell 10 percent monthly to 

$1.82 per pound but remained up 59 percent yearly. The bonein breast price was down 5 percent at $1.18 per pound, up 11 

percent yearly. Bone-in thigh prices fell 9 percent to $0.61 per 

pound, down 39 percent yearly. Tenderloin prices rose 5 

percent to a $2.86 per pound, up 95 percent yearly. Leg quarters 

increased 2 percent monthly to $0.46 per pound, 65 percent 

above its July 2020 level. Boneless skinless thigh prices rose 6 

percent monthly to $2.02 per pound, 126 percent above last 

year's price. Drumstick prices were down 3 percent monthly to 

$0.48 per pound, up 20 percent from the July 2020 level. Wing 

prices recovered some of their previous month’s losses to rise 4 

percent to $3.17 per pound, up 65 percent annually. 

International Trade

In volume terms, July chicken exports fell 8 percent to 270 

thousand MT, up 1 percent from 2020. In value terms, chicken 

exports rose 1 percent to $329 million, up 38 percent yearly. At 

22 percent, Mexico’s share of exports exceeded the combined 

shares of the next four countries - Cuba, Philippines, Canada, 

and Guatemala. 

BEEF/VEAL

Production

July 2021 beef production fell 4 percent from last year’s level

(with one less day of operation) and 3 percent from June at 2.3

billion pounds. Cattle slaughter was 2.85 million head, 4 percent 

lower monthly and 2 percent lower year-over-year. Average live 

weight fell 14 pounds yearly but gained 3 pounds from June at

1,349 pounds. July veal production totaled 3.9 million pounds,

down 5 percent from June and down 33 percent year-over-year. 

Calf slaughter equaled 33,500 head, 19 percent below 2020 but 

up 5 percent monthly. Live calves on average weighed 39 fewer

pounds than the year before and 18 fewer pounds than June at 

205 pounds. January to July 2021 cumulative beef production 

added 5 percent to the last year’s level, and veal production was 

down 22 percent yearly.

Total beef in cold storage at the end of July fell 4 percent from

July 2020 and was down slightly monthly, with boneless beef

down 5 percent yearly and also down slightly for the month. 

Beef cut supplies in freezers were slightly higher on a monthly 

basis and up 10 percent year-over-year. Veal inventories were 

7 percent lower than June but up 1 percent from 2020.

Price

Live cattle prices (FOB, steers and heifers) inched up $2 in

August, to $124 per cwt, 19 percent higher yearly. The beef 

cutout value returned to higher levels at $322 per cwt, up 18

percent monthly and 50 percent higher yearly. Following the 

seasonal pattern, 90 percent lean boneless beef dipped $3 to

$276 per cwt, up 22 percent from 2020. The 50 percent lean 

trim average monthly price gained another $25 to $156, 20

percent higher monthly and 200 percent higher yearly. The

average price for hide-off veal carcasses increased $11 to $346

per cwt, up 3 percent from July and 23 percent from last year.

The maps below illustrate one of the factors influencing beef 

(and lamb) prices—the large and persistent drought in the 

western third of the U.S. In particular, this has raised the cost of 

hay, with 35 percent of hay being grown in drought areas (and 

29 percent of cattle). Strong beef demand is another factor for 

the rise in prices.

International Trade

July 2021 beef and veal exports (including variety meats) 

totaled 123 thousand MT, up 14 percent yearly and 9 percent 

monthly. Export value increased 45 percent from last year and 

17 percent from last month at $939 million. Beef and veal total 

exports for the year to date are up 18 percent in volume and 30

percent in value. South Korea topped the list of export markets, 

purchasing 23 percent of the volume and 24 percent of the 

value, with Japan close behind with 23 percent of imports and 

21 of the value. China imported 17 percent of both value and 

volume exported. Beef and veal import volumes for July fell 5

percent from the previous month to 109 thousand MT down 18

percent year-over-year. The import value of beef was $802

million, down 5 percent monthly but up 6 percent yearly. The 

year-to-date total of beef and veal imports was 6 percent lower 

in volume but 9 percent higher in value. Canada sent 29 percent 

of the beef (volume), with 21 percent from Mexico.
Source: USDA AMS Agricultural Analytics Division Page 3

Any opinions expressed represent those of the authors for the limited purpose of this newsletter and do not represent the official position of the Department. 

PORK

Production

July pork production declined 9 percent over June and 14 

percent below last July to 2.05 billion pounds, in part due to the 

loss of a workday. Total hogs slaughtered was down 8 percent 

monthly at 9.8 million head and down 13 percent from 2020. 

Average live hog weight fell 3 pounds monthly and 2 pounds

yearly at 28 pounds. January to July 2021 pork production was 

1 percent lower than last year.

All pork in cold storage in July was up slightly from June, and 4 

percent lower than July 2020. Monthly total hams in storage

was 17 percent higher, and for the year, down 12 percent. 

Bone-in ham supplies were up 23 percent monthly and up 39

percent yearly, while boneless hams added 12 percent monthly

but fell 6 percent yearly. Belly inventories dropped 24 percent

over the month and 35 percent against July 2020. Total loin 

stocks dropped 8 percent from June and lost 16 percent yearover-year. Pork trimmings in freezers fell 12 percent monthly

and 11 percent yearly. 

Price

The August negotiated carcass price for barrows and gilts 

dropped $10 to $98 per cwt, 10 percent lower monthly, but up 

149 percent yearly. The pork cutout value inched up $1 to $121

per cwt, and 68 percent for the year. Boneless center cut loin

prices, reversed direction to add $35 at $168 per cwt, up 27

percent for the month and up 53 percent from last August. 

Trimmed, selected ham prices (23-27 pounds) returned $22 for

an average of $72 per cwt, 24 percent below July but 69 percent

higher yearly. The 72 percent lean pork trimmings price rose $4

to $142 per cwt, increasing 3 percent monthly and 76 percent 

above 2020. Picnic meat combo, cushion out prices fell $16 to 

$135 per cwt, 10 percent below July but up 53 percent yearly. 

Pork belly primal values added $7 in August to $213 per cwt, 4

percent above the month before and twice the value last year. 

International Trade

Exports of pork were slightly over July 2020 at 217 thousand 

metric tons, and up 21 percent in value at $635 million. 

Compared to June, export volume and value were down 7

percent and 6 percent, respectively. For the year so far, pork 

export volume was 1 percent higher and value 9 percent higher. 

One-third of our pork exports were sent to Mexico (24 percent 

of the value) while Japan purchased 18 percent of our pork 

exports (one-fourth of the export value). China, Canada and 

South Korea were also in the top five pork export markets. Yearover-year, July pork imports were up 25 percent in volume at 40

thousand MT and up 52 percent in value at $176 million. 

Compared to June import volume and value were down 5 and 8

percent, respectively. Cumulative yearly imports through July

were up 20 percent in volume and 36 percent in value. 64

percent of pork imports came from Canada, with 8 percent from 

Poland, 7 percent from Mexico and 6 percent from Denmark.

LAMB

Production

July lamb and mutton production declined 5 percent from June

to 10.7 million pounds, 12 percent lower yearly, with one less 

workday in 2021. Sheep slaughter totaled 185,100 head, down 

6 percent from 2020 and 2 percent monthly. The average live 

weight fell 5 pounds from last month and 10 pounds from last 

year at 115 pounds. January to July 2021 lamb production was 

down 2 percent from last year. Lamb stocks in cold storage were 

down 53 percent from 2020 and down 2 percent from the

month before.

Price

The August negotiated live slaughter lamb price lost $2 to $262

per cwt, 1 percent lower monthly, with no 2020 price to 

compare on a yearly basis. The lamb cutout value again jumped

$59 in August to $691 per cwt, an increase of 9 percent monthly

and 66 percent yearly. Leg of lamb, trotter-off (IMPS 233A)

gained $33 for an average of $603 per cwt, up 6 percent 

monthly and 66 percent yearly. The lamb shoulder (IMPS 207)

price rose $66, up 13 percent month-over-month and 69

percent yearly to $555 per cwt. Ground lamb (IMPS 296)slipped

$3 for an average of $815 per cwt, down slightly from July but

42 percent above 2020. 

International Trade

Lamb export volume in July continued a sharp decline, down 64 

percent from June at 49 metric tons with value down 25 percent

at $600,000. Export volume was down 98 percent from 2020

and value down 73 percent. January to July cumulative exports 

were 82 percent below 2020 and value 50 percent lower. The 

top destinations for U.S. lamb exports were Bermuda (26

percent of the volume and value), and The Bahamas(16 percent

of volume and 18 percent of value). Netherlands Antilles took

13 percent of U.S. lamb. Imports of lamb to the U.S. increased

86 percent in July compared to 2020 at 14.2 thousand metric 

tons, while the value of imports increased 85 percent to $119

million. Since June, import volume was down 19 percent and

value down 20 percent. To date, 2021 imports are up 1 percent 

with value up 18 percent. About 76 percent of lamb imports 

were from Australia and 22 percent from New Zealand.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of 

Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its 

Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or 

administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating 

based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity 

(including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, 

marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public 

assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior 

civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by 

USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint 

filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Source: USDA AMS Agricultural Analytics Division Page 4

Any opinions expressed represent those of the authors for the limited purpose of this newsletter and do not represent the official position of the Department. 

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

thousand layers

Broiler-Type Hatching Egg Layers 1st of Month

2021 2017-2019 avg 2020

50.0

75.0

100.0

125.0

150.0

175.0

200.0

225.0

250.0

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

cents per dozen

Monthly NY Shell Egg Price to Retailers

2021 2017-2019 avg 2020