USDA raises beef-production forecasts for 2012 and 2013 in just-released supply/demand report, but cuts forecasts for pork -- all due to the massive spreading drought. As cattle are hustled off pastures, the tailwind of higher supplies will stretch into next year; 2012 beef production raised 1.6% from July report to 25.6B lbs and 2013 ticks up slightly from July to 24.6B lbs. Pork production expected to fall more than 1% next year to 22.9B lbs as financially stressed producers react to high feed costs by limiting numbers of hungry mouths to feed. (marshall.eckblad@dowjones.com)

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

August 10, 2012 10:58 ET (14:58 GMT)