The first half of 2019 is expected to be is a good period for livestock production and profitably, according to Lee Schulz, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach livestock economist.

“For the fifth consecutive year, record U.S. pork production is expected, and total poultry production has been rising for the past six years, with the same outcome expected this year too,” says Schulz, “and beef production is expected to surpass the record set in 2002.”

Strong demand, domestically and abroad, has enabled increased production. “Exports are ever more important,” says Schulz, citing an expected production increase of 2 to 3 percent for pork and 1 to 2 percent for beef in 2019. “Domestically, there is a...