WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — Red meat production in the United States fell sharply in August, with total output at 4.15 billion pounds—down 10 percent from a year earlier, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) livestock slaughter data (PDF VERSION) for Sept. 25, 2025.
Beef production dropped 12 percent to 2.02 billion pounds, as cattle slaughter fell to 2.33 million head, 14 percent below last August. Heavier carcass weights, averaging 1,413 pounds, only partially offset the decline.
Veal production hit an all-time low at 1.9 million pounds, 38 percent under last year, with calf slaughter down 45 percent to just 9,400 head.
Pork production totaled 2.12 billion pounds, down eight percent, with hog slaughter slipping seven percent to 10.1 million head. Average hog weights eased by two pounds to 280.
Lamb and mutton production reached 10 million pounds, off five percent from last year, with slightly fewer animals processed at lighter weights.
For the year to date, commercial red meat output stands at 35.2 billion pounds, 3 percent below the 2024 level. Beef is down four percent, veal 38 percent, and pork two percent, while lamb and mutton remain up three percent.
Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Smaller slaughter numbers across beef and pork signal tighter supplies into late 2025, while record-low veal production highlights ongoing structural changes in the sector.
Recent USDA export sales data show China has been active in the U.S. market, but analysts tell RFD-TV News that the timing is a key clue.
December 22, 2025 12:45 PM
·
Tight feeder supplies and lower placements indicate continued support for the cattle market, with regional impacts heightened in Texas by reduced feeder imports.
December 22, 2025 10:10 AM
·
Jeff Johnston with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange explains the growing role of Rural America in supporting the nation’s digital infrastructure.
December 19, 2025 01:43 PM
·
Cattle markets are watching the Cattle-on-Feed Report for signs of tighter supplies, while USMEF warns limited China access is cutting producer profits.
December 19, 2025 01:05 PM
·
Lower milk prices may pressure margins, but strong cattle values could soften near-term financial impacts.
December 19, 2025 12:50 PM
·
Record ethanol production, coupled with stronger demand, supports corn use despite tighter margins elsewhere.
December 18, 2025 02:32 PM
·
December 18, 2025 11:03 AM
December 17, 2025 10:45 AM
A new maritime biofuels coalition aims to position ocean shipping as a significant growth market for U.S. crops and waste-derived fuels.
December 17, 2025 07:00 AM
·
