Animal Protein Continues to be Plentiful for American Consumers

The latest USDA projects show that Americans are expected to have more meat and eggs available in the coming years. USDA forecasts that per capita availability of red meat, poultry, and eggs will increase in 2026 and rise again in 2027. The agency projects that 228.8 pounds of beef, pork, broilers, and turkey per person will be available in 2026, increasing to 229.4 pounds in 2027. Egg availability should climb from 22.5 dozen per person in 2026 to 22.9 dozen in 2027. Broiler chicken is America's most-consumed animal protein. USDA projects broiler availability will reach 105.6 pounds per person in 2026 and 106.5 pounds in 2027. The agency forecasts modest gains in pork and turkey supplies, while beef availability is expected to edge higher in 2026 before declining slightly in 2027. The outlook suggests continued strong demand for animal protein and opportunities for livestock, poultry, and egg producers as domestic supplies expand over the next two years.

Most FNS Employees Won’t Relocate

A majority of employees affected by a planned USDA office relocation say they would rather leave their jobs than move across the country. That’s according to a union survey. USDA recently announced plans to relocate most employees in its Food and Nutrition Service, or FNS, after closing its Washington, D.C.-area headquarters and several regional offices. The agency administers programs including SNAP, school meals, and WIC. According to the National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 226, over 80 percent of surveyed employees said they do not plan to relocate to keep their positions. The survey found that 81 percent of SNAP employees, 78 percent of child nutrition employees, and 90 percent of WIC employees who responded would not move. “The vast majority just cannot move for various reasons — family commitments or spouses who have careers,” a union official said. “Even those who would move said they might relocate short-term but would actively look for another job.”

Meat Institute: NWS is Not a Food-Safety Concern

The Meat Institute is reassuring consumers that meat remains safe following the recent detection of New World Screwworm in a Texas calf. In a statement released after USDA confirmed the case, Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts emphasized that the pest does not pose a food safety risk. New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that can cause serious health problems for livestock by laying eggs in open wounds. “American consumers need to know that New World Screwworm is not a food safety concern, and that meat and poultry products are safe to consume,” Potts said. The organization is encouraging meat industry members to work closely with local, state, and federal officials to detect and eliminate the pest. The Meat Institute is asking regulators to consider allowing low-risk livestock movements for slaughter to help maintain processing operations while response efforts continue.

Possible New Weapon to Fight African Swine Fever May Be Coming Soon

New independent research validates FeedARMOR against EhV, the industry-standard surrogate model virus for the African Swine Fever virus. A McNess news release said this is a significant step forward in low-inclusion feed biosecurity. The Schroeder Lab at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine tested FeedARMOR against EhV. The results showed a 99.99 percent reduction in a viable virus in only one hour. Feed ingredients are a confirmed introduction pathway for ASFV, and there’s currently no approved vaccine in the U.S. Research has shown that ASFV-like viruses can survive in feed up to 120 days at all storage temperatures, meaning extended storage alone is not an effective mitigation strategy. Since FeedARMOR launched at the 2025 World Pork Expo, two independent university studies have expanded its proven efficacy. A second University of Minnesota study demonstrated up to a 100 percent reduction in Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus. 

Weekly Export Sales of Corn and Beans Lower

Export sales for U.S. corn and soybeans declined during the week ending May 28, while wheat demand remained strong, according to the latest USDA trade data. Corn sales totaled 883,300 metric tons, down 13 percent from the previous week. Japan led all buyers with 336,300 metric tons. Soybean sales also slipped, falling eight percent to 276,900 metric tons. China was the top soybean buyer at 74,800 metric tons. Despite the slower sales pace, corn exports increased seven percent from the previous week to 1.72 million metric tons, while soybean exports held steady at 569,300 metric tons. Wheat provided the strongest demand story in the report. Export sales for the new 2026-27 marketing year reached 838,500 metric tons, led by purchases from South Korea, the Philippines, and Mexico. Wheat exports totaled 397,200 metric tons for the week, up 33 percent from the previous reporting period, signaling continued international demand for U.S. wheat supplies.

Supporters Plot E15 Strategy in the Senate

Supporters of year-round E15 gasoline sales are making another push in Congress, but significant hurdles remain before the measure can become law. Backers of the proposal are working to attach E15 language to a larger must-pass bill in hopes of advancing the policy through a closely divided U.S. Senate. The effort would allow nationwide sales of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol throughout the year, a move strongly supported by corn growers and the ethanol industry. Industry groups are also negotiating potential concessions for fuel refiners in an attempt to broaden support and avoid opposition that could derail the measure. “This is a complicated, unwieldy process that is very unpredictable,” one industry executive familiar with the discussions told Reuters. “Any change needed to gain support from one group risks losing support from another.” If approved by Congress, the legislation would head to President Trump for his signature. 

Monday Watch List

Markets

On Monday, USDA will release their weekly grain export inspections report at 10 a.m. CDT. In the afternoon, USDA will release the latest Crop Progress report at 3 p.m. CDT, updating corn and soybean crop ratings after both opened the growing season last week with decent scores.

Weather

A couple of fronts and systems will continue to produce widespread showers and thunderstorms across the Plains, Prairies, and Midwest on Monday. Areas of heavy rain will be possible from the Ozarks into the Midwest and Tennessee Valley, which may cause some flooding.