date:Aug 14, 2012
aid. Cattle carcass weights are expected to increase for the first part of 2012, but placement of lighter-weight cattle in feedlots and the higher feed costs may dampen weight growth in 2012 and 2013, USDA said.
Higher feed costs factor in egg production, which is forecast slightly higher for 2012 on stronger prices that will support slightly faster growth. But higher feed costs are forecast to reduce producer returns and egg production in 2013, according to WASDE.
USDA raised its forecast for