NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Peanut butter demand is strengthening as consumers look for affordable protein options, helping support long-term peanut usage. USDA data shows peanut butter now accounts for more than 60 percent of all peanuts consumed for food in the United States.
According to an analysis by the USDA’s Economic Research Service, peanut butter consumption is running 6 percent above the 10-year average. At the same time, demand for other peanut products — including snacks and candy — has slipped below long-term averages.
Production has expanded to meet that demand, with U.S. peanut output reaching a record 6.5 billion pounds in the 2024/25 marketing year, up 25 percent from a decade earlier. That larger supply has supported growth in both domestic crush and exports.
Recent price data from USDA NASS shows farmer stock peanut prices averaging 20.3 cents per pound for the week ending April 11, down sharply from the prior week, while marketings also declined.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong demand persists despite short-term price pressure.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
AFBF Economist Samantha Ayoub discusses the latest data on Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings and what the troubling trend signals for the farm economy. At the same time, bigger loans and higher rates are squeezing working capital and increasing financial risk.
February 12, 2026 04:26 PM
·
Farm numbers still favor small operations, but production, resilience, and risk management are increasingly concentrated among fewer, larger farms.
February 12, 2026 12:16 PM
·
China’s reliance on imported soybeans remains entrenched, shaping global demand and trade leverage.
February 12, 2026 10:46 AM
·
Agriculture remains a key drag on regional growth amid weak prices and policy uncertainty.
February 12, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Tight cattle supplies favor poultry and pork while keeping beef margins under pressure.
February 12, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Strong corn exports offer support, while soybeans and wheat remain weighed down by ample global supplies, according to the USDA’s latest WASDE report for February.
February 10, 2026 04:25 PM
·
