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.
NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart breaks down CAFO permits, EPA enforcement, and what cattle producers need to know as rules continue to evolve.
February 09, 2026 12:21 PM
·
Rebuilding domestic textiles depends on automation and vertical integration, not tariffs or legacy manufacturing models.
February 09, 2026 12:05 PM
·
Strong supplies and rising stocks point to continued price pressure unless demand accelerates.
February 09, 2026 10:45 AM
·
Seasonal price patterns can inform soybean marketing timing, particularly when harvest prices appear unusually strong or weak.
February 09, 2026 10:30 AM
·
Low prices are painful now, but production response could support stronger milk markets later in 2026.
February 09, 2026 10:25 AM
·
Merck’s Gary Tiller discusses new virtual fencing technology and how fence-free livestock management could change the way ranchers manage land and cattle.
February 06, 2026 05:03 PM
·
At CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses profitability, consumer demand, and how the integrated U.S.–Canada beef supply chain impacts cattle producers across North America.
February 06, 2026 04:59 PM
·
Top issues facing the beef industry took center stage at CattleCon this year in Nashville.
February 06, 2026 04:58 PM
Texas cowboy chef and host of RFD Network’s Twisted Skillet, Sean Koehler, shares an elote-style street corn dip just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. This skillet-cooked corn dish combines open-fire cooking and bold regional flavors for a delicious twist on Mexican Street Corn.
February 06, 2026 04:50 PM
·
