Meat Animal Cash Receipts Jumped Sharply in 2025

Total cash receipts from marketings of cattle, calves, hogs, and pigs climbed by 18% in 2025 to $165 billion.

SELECTS_FARMHER_ 19_12_19_USA_ALL_VARIOUS_0342.jpg

FarmHER, Inc.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. meat animal producers saw a sharp rise in cash receipts during 2025 as stronger livestock values pushed income higher. USDA said total cash receipts from marketings of cattle, calves, hogs, and pigs climbed 18 percent to $165 billion.

Cattle and calves drove most of that gain. Cash receipts from cattle and calf marketings rose 19 percent from $112 billion in 2024 to $134 billion in 2025. Even so, total cattle and calf marketings were 59.6 billion pounds, down slightly from the previous year.

Hogs and pigs also posted a stronger income year. Cash receipts totaled $30.9 billion, up 13 percent from 2024, while marketings reached 43.9 billion pounds, 2 percent above the prior year.

USDA said total production of cattle, calves, hogs, and pigs reached 87.6 billion pounds in 2025, up 1 percent from 2024. Production increased slightly for cattle and calves and rose 2 percent for hogs and pigs.

Gross income from meat animals totaled $166 billion in 2025, also up 18 percent. Cattle and calves accounted for 81 percent of total cash receipts, while hogs and pigs made up 19 percent.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Stronger livestock values lifted 2025 receipts and income even though cattle marketings were slightly lower.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
U.S. pork production is rising slightly, driven by steady domestic demand, prices, and expanding global meat export markets beyond China.
Strong exports and prices are helping offset rising milk supplies.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses the DOJ investigation into U.S. beef packers, concerns about cattle pricing, and ongoing trade and animal health issues affecting producers.
Event focuses on helping communities grow through local business
Strong demand for U.S. beef in Mexico is boosting exports, with buyers seeking both variety meats and high-quality cuts like Prime and Choice ribeye.
Jarrod Hardke with the University of Arkansas break down extreme drought conditions, shifting planting decisions, and the impact of rising input costs on Arkansas agriculture this season.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Crop insurance remains essential as risks and costs rise.
Rural driving conditions increase the risk of serious collisions with animals.
Weak soybean sales and soft wheat demand contrast with solid corn export strength.
Charly Cummings with Superior Livestock Auction joined us to discuss today’s cattle offering, market demand, and what producers should watch as they plan upcoming sales.
David Fisher with the American Lamb Board joined us to discuss a new sustainability program designed to boost producer profitability while supporting stewardship practices.
Trade disputes can quickly reduce demand for key crops.