WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — U.S. commercial red meat production rose in March as a stronger pork run more than offset lower beef output. March production reached 4.51 billion pounds, up 2 percent from a year earlier.
Pork production totaled 2.40 billion pounds, up 7 percent from March 2025. Hog slaughter rose 6 percent to 11.0 million head, while average live weight edged up 1 pound to 292 pounds.
Beef production moved the other way. Output totaled 2.10 billion pounds, down 3 percent from a year ago. Cattle slaughter fell 6 percent to 2.34 million head, but average live weight climbed 45 pounds to 1,471 pounds.
Other species were lower as well. Veal production fell 16 percent, with calf slaughter down 23 percent. Lamb and mutton production dropped 6 percent, and sheep slaughter slipped 1 percent from last year.
For the first quarter, commercial red meat production totaled 13.2 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2025 as lower beef output continued to weigh on the total.
Farm-Level Takeaway: March pork gains lifted total meat production, but first-quarter output still ran below last year.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.
January 06, 2026 01:28 PM
·
Strong crush demand and rising ethanol production are pressuring feedstocks, as traders monitor storage risks and supply chain uncertainty and await the upcoming January WASDE report.
January 06, 2026 01:04 PM
·
The U.S. Meat Export Federation plans to expand its global market presence in the New Year and says it is focusing its appeal on the growing middle class worldwide.
January 06, 2026 12:21 PM
·
Preserving equity through active risk management remains critical in a volatile, supply-driven market.
January 06, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Weather, Tight Supplies, and Planning Shape Farm Decisions
January 05, 2026 03:23 PM
·
Bigger cows must wean proportionally heavier calves to justify higher ownership costs.
January 05, 2026 03:08 PM
·
