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
Strike risk adds volatility to already tight markets.
Strong corn demand and cotton shipments support export outlook.
Big oils-and-fats volumes can support crush demand, but fuel markets can quickly tighten supplies.
Global food prices rose slightly in the latest FAO Food Price Index as vegetable oils, cereals, and meat increased, offsetting declines in dairy and sugar.
Mexican livestock officials are emphasizing surveillance and inspection systems to preserve access to the U.S. cattle export market. Texas’ Bovina Feeders explains the rising stakes as the border stays closed.
University of Arkansas’ Allen Szalanski discusses a news study on rice stink bugs, what it could mean for farmers, and pest management strategies for the future.

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:

Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.
Lower freight costs helped sustain export demand amid a challenging pricing environment.
Producers across the country spent the week balancing spring planning with tight margins and uneven moisture outlooks. Input purchasing stayed cautious, while marketing and cash-flow decisions remained front and center for many operations.
Income support helps, but farm finances remain tight heading into 2026.
Federal assistance has helped, but the most recent row-crop losses remain on producers’ balance sheets.
Rebuilding domestic textiles depends on automation and vertical integration, not tariffs or legacy manufacturing models.