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
Expect firm calf and fed-cattle prices — pair selective heifer retention with prudent hedging and liquidity to bridge rebuilding costs.
The Louisiana cotton crop is the smallest on record, but strong yields are a silver lining. LSU AgCenter’s Craig Gautreaux reports from northeast Louisiana.
Using FEMA and USDA data, Trace One researchers estimate average annual U.S. agricultural losses of $3.48 billion, with drought accounting for more than half.
Soybean farmer and Arkansas Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge highlights why the U.S. trade standoff with China is especially critical for Arkansas producers.
The new antitrust agreement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) aims to enforce antitrust laws and monitor market activity across the ag sector.
President Donald Trump says a deal is nearly done on lowering beef prices, but he has not released details.

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:

For dairy producers, that could help support fluid milk use in cafeterias, breakfast programs, and other child nutrition settings.
EU simplification may reduce some paperwork, but U.S. exporters still face costly traceability requirements.
Lower wheat production, smaller stocks, and higher projected prices explain the rally and put more attention on Plains crop conditions.
U.S. grain export inspections stayed solid for the week ending May 7, with corn still leading the export pace and soybeans posting a strong weekly rebound.
U.S. beef imports are running at a record pace while exports are falling, reflecting tight domestic cattle supplies and high U.S. beef prices.
ASFMRA’s Chad Hertz joins us to discuss farmland trends, economic pressures facing producers, and how outside influences are shaping today’s land market.