THE US Department of Agriculture is predicting that pork production will soon outstrip domestic beef production.

Releasing its latest Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook, USDA’s Economic Research Service said that for the first time since 1950, the US will produce more pork than beef in 2015.

The Service forecasts this year’s commercial beef production will total 10.829 million tonnes, down 84,000t from its June estimates, whereas commercial pork production is set to reach 11.17 million tonnes.

ERS projections for total US red meat and poultry production fell below earlier prediction because lower beef and turkey production will offset gains from higher chicken and pork production.

The research data reveals that decreased beef cow slaughter results from both low cow inventories and improved pasture conditions across the US.  Meanwhile, pork production has been higher than beef production in both the first and second quarters this year, with prices under pressure as litter size and overall hog inventories have rebounded.

The report indicates that the recent outbreak of Avian Influenza in the US reduced turkey production, while chicken production has remained unaffected because the number of birds slaughtered and higher slaughter weights.

Overall, the US is expected to produce 1.8pct less beef compared to 2014, but 7.6pc more pork and 5pc more chicken.