WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. red meat production finished 2025 on a stronger monthly note, led by higher beef and pork output in December, even as full-year totals remained below 2024 levels. USDA data show packers ran harder late in the year, supported by more slaughter days and heavier carcass weights.
Beef production totaled 2.30 billion pounds in December, up 4 percent from a year earlier. Cattle slaughter increased 2 percent to 2.58 million head, while average live weights climbed sharply, up 32 pounds to 1,463 pounds. The weight gain accounted for much of the year-over-year increase in beef output despite a smaller national cattle herd.
Pork production reached a record December high of 2.52 billion pounds, up 8 percent from 2024. Hog slaughter rose 7 percent to 11.5 million head, with average live weights edging up 2 pounds to 293 pounds, reinforcing strong processing efficiency.
Beyond beef and pork, veal production declined sharply, down 31 percent, while lamb and mutton production rose 3 percent. For all of 2025, total red meat production fell 2 percent, with beef down 4 percent and pork down 1 percent year over year.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Heavier weights and strong late-year slaughter supported December production, but lower annual totals highlight ongoing supply tightness heading into 2026.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
March 18, 2014 12:08 PM
·
March 18, 2014 10:49 AM
·
Researchers now have new technology to help gauge what healthy cattle eat and how farmers can limit their feed costs, which can be expensive.
March 05, 2014 03:33 PM
·
Dairy cows produce more milk for heifers than for baby bulls, according to new research from Kansas State University and Harvard University.
March 04, 2014 11:43 AM
·
The use of ultrasound may make growing beef more efficient.
February 20, 2014 06:21 PM
·
February 12, 2014 04:06 PM
·
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences recently opened its newest research and education center, once operated by the USDA.
February 07, 2014 11:26 AM
·
Cargill’s beef processing plant in Schuyler, Nebraska, closed early Thursday due to a fire and ammonia leak.
February 07, 2014 10:54 AM
·
Researchers at Iowa State University have identified a new strain of PED virus.
February 06, 2014 12:56 PM
·
