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.
Reviewing risk management now can help dairy and livestock producers enter 2026 with clearer margins and fewer surprises.
December 22, 2025 03:19 PM
·
Canada’s new voluntary Grocery Sector Code of Conduct will take effect on Jan. 1, a goodwill effort to promote fairness and transparency between retailers and support farms that sell directly to stores.
December 22, 2025 02:54 PM
·
With record grain harvests and rising global ethanol demand, leaders across the ag and energy sectors are pushing for year-round E15 sales to mitigate the strain on grain trade.
December 22, 2025 02:45 PM
·
Small, locally focused wineries are finding resilience through direct sales and regional loyalty rather than scale alone.
December 22, 2025 02:05 PM
·
Pork producers warn that proposed definitions of “ultra-processed” food in guidelines from the “Make America Healthy Again” plan could negatively impact industry-standard bacon, sausage, and feed practices.
December 22, 2025 01:38 PM
·
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) are praising the passage of a bill to delist gray wolves as an endangered species by the U.S. House last week.
December 22, 2025 01:23 PM
·
