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.
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
January 21, 2026 12:03 PM
·
Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.
January 21, 2026 12:00 PM
·
Corn and wheat exports remain a demand bright spot, while soybeans are transitioning into a more typical late-winter shipping slowdown.
January 21, 2026 10:36 AM
·
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 03:25 PM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
January 20, 2026 08:00 AM
·
