NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — China’s shift toward animal protein consumption continues reshaping global feed and meat markets, with rising purchases of meat, eggs, and dairy closely matching declines in cereal grain consumption.
Retired USDA Economist Dr. Fred Gale reports Chinese household survey data show per capita cereal grain purchases fell from 138.9 kilograms in 2013 to 110.6 kilograms in 2024, while purchases of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy rose from 59.8 kilograms to 88.1 kilograms over the same period. The near one-to-one shift reflects broader dietary change as incomes rise and food preferences evolve.
Pork remains dominant in China’s protein mix despite growth in beef and mutton demand and steady egg consumption. Poultry and fish purchases have plateaued in recent years, while urban dairy consumption has declined since 2021, even as rural dairy consumption rises. Rural households have largely closed the gap with urban consumers in pork, poultry, and egg consumption.
Survey data show the shift accelerating in recent years, including a sharp drop in cereal purchases in 2024, while vegetable and fruit consumption also increased alongside protein demand.
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
January 23, 2026 04:40 PM
·
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
January 23, 2026 03:39 PM
·
Pennsylvania Farm Show scholarship recipient Elizabeth Dice discusses her award, her background in farming, and her path forward in the agriculture industry.
January 23, 2026 01:48 PM
·
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain challenges facing agriculture as snow, sleet and ice threaten most of the Eastern U.S.
January 23, 2026 01:36 PM
·
Rural population growth and stabilizing economic indicators point to post-pandemic recovery, but uneven income, shifting industries, and regional divides remain key challenges for rural communities.
January 23, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Brian Earnest, an animal protein economist with CoBank, shares insights into current demand trends and the challenges facing broiler production.
January 22, 2026 06:34 PM
·
