MANHATTAN, Kan. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. consumers are buying and valuing meat differently than they did just a few years ago, with stronger retail demand and fewer people avoiding meat altogether, according to the Meat Demand Monitor led by Dr. Glynn Tonsor at Kansas State University.
Survey data covering 2020 through 2025 show the share of Americans identifying as meat consumers rose from just over 83 percent to more than 85 percent, while vegan and vegetarian claims declined, and many self-identified non-meat eaters still reported eating meat the previous day. Beef and pork consumption frequency remained relatively steady nationwide, though the Northeast consistently trailed other regions.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Domestic beef demand remains solid, with the strongest growth occurring through retail channels.
Tony St. James
Retail purchasing strengthened the most. Consumers’ willingness to pay for ground beef increased from about $7.26 per pound in 2020 to $9.18 in 2025, rising faster than general inflation. Grocery stores remained the dominant source for at-home meals, while quick-service and casual restaurants led away-from-home dining, but restaurant demand lagged retail growth.
Taste and freshness remained the top buying factors, with nutrition and health gaining importance, while environmental impact and animal-welfare claims declined in influence.
A high-stakes legal case in a South Dakota federal court concerning misleading country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL), such as “Product of the USA,” on food products, will significantly impact U.S. agricultural policy for years to come.
January 14, 2026 09:00 AM
·
Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.
January 14, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.
January 13, 2026 03:25 PM
·
China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
January 13, 2026 02:13 PM
·
USDA flash corn sales, Cattle on Feed and Inventory reports, and beef packer antitrust concerns dominate January agricultural market news.
January 13, 2026 01:53 PM
·
Larger grain stocks increase supply pressure, but strong fall disappearance — especially for corn and sorghum — suggests demand remains an important offset.
January 13, 2026 01:02 PM
·
