NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — China’s animal feed production grew far faster than its meat and egg output in 2025, signaling continued structural shifts in the country’s livestock and grain demand, according to data compiled by retired U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) economist Fred Gale from the China Feed Industry Association and China’s National Bureau of Statistics.
Feed output rose 27.2 million metric tons to 342.25 million metric tons in 2025, while meat and egg production increased by just 3.2 million tons. Over the past decade, feed production climbed by 142 million tons — more than ten times the 13.8 million-ton increase in meat and egg output over the same period. Swine feed alone jumped 22.5 million tons last year to 166 million, accounting for nearly half of total feed production.
The feed-to-meat ratio widened further. Swine feed output equaled 2.8 times pork production of 59.4 million tons, up from ratios near 2.5-to-1 in recent years. Poultry feed ratios were even higher. Those figures exceed commonly cited on-farm feed conversion rates, suggesting continued shifts from on-farm mixing to commercial feed manufacturing and deeper integration in China’s livestock sector.
Soybean meal held steady at 13.4% of compound feed, while rapeseed and cottonseed meal use increased. Rice, wheat, and sorghum use declined. Feed production gains were concentrated in major provinces, including Shandong and Guangdong.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Rising Chinese feed output — especially for swine — signals sustained demand for protein meals and feed inputs, even when meat production growth appears modest.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Midwest corn and soy producers are monitoring for disease and lower yields due to the ongoing drought over the last 30 days.
September 24, 2025 04:38 PM
·
Industry-wide participation in SHIP enhances biosecurity and fosters global trust in U.S. pork, says swine health expert, Dr. Christine Mainquist-Whigham.
September 24, 2025 03:32 PM
·
A new study by the National Grains and Feeds Association found that their industry generates $401.7 billion in economic output and supports over 1.16 million jobs nationwide.
September 24, 2025 02:41 PM
·
National Education Center for Ag Safety Director Dan Neenan joins us to discuss grain bin safety and the steps producers can take to prevent tragedies.
September 24, 2025 02:19 PM
·
Argentina hopes to boost demand, but critics see the move as a blow to American farmers.
September 24, 2025 11:35 AM
·
China is making strategic moves by purchasing more soybeans from Argentina and may soon follow the EU and reopen its market to Brazilian chicken exports.
September 23, 2025 01:21 PM
·
Farmers should watch for soybean export rebounds with harvest, while corn and wheat shipments remain strong and sorghum demand struggles.
September 23, 2025 11:54 AM
·
Rollins says the new trade relationship with Taiwan, which is committed to buying a significant amount of U.S. soy, could not come at a better time for farmers facing financial strain.
September 23, 2025 11:06 AM
·
Higher tariffs may shield some U.S. crops but risk retaliation, lost markets, and higher costs for growers. The WTO disputes highlight the fragile balance between trade policy, farm exports, and input supply chains.
September 22, 2025 12:39 PM
·
