LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — U.S. meat sales reached a record $112 billion in 2025 as strong consumer demand, younger shoppers, and shifting meal trends supported continued growth across protein markets.
The annual Power of Meat report from the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association shows volume rose 2 percent year over year, with Millennials and Gen Z accounting for 67 percent of unit growth. More than 98 percent of U.S. households purchased meat, and nearly half of shoppers said they are preparing more meals with meat or poultry.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong consumer demand supports livestock market outlook.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Consumer habits continue to favor animal protein. Shoppers prepare about 5 dinners at home on average each week, with roughly 90 percent of them including meat or poultry. Younger consumers are also shaping demand trends through social media and artificial intelligence tools for meal planning, reinforcing retail focus on both convenience and premium offerings.
Health perceptions remain supportive, with 77 percent of shoppers viewing meat and poultry as part of a healthy diet — up sharply since 2020. Analysts note that protein demand, affordability, and flexibility continue to drive retail performance across fresh meat categories.
READ MORE: The Power of Meat 2025 Report
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.
January 15, 2026 01:36 PM
·
House Agriculture Committee Democrats are calling for action on the Farm and Family Relief Act, warning that proposed SNAP cost shifts to states could reduce food assistance for low-income families amid ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions that continue to strain U.S. farmers.
January 15, 2026 12:30 PM
·
Record ethanol production and improving blending demand continue to support corn usage despite rising short-term inventories.
January 15, 2026 11:47 AM
·
Tight beef cow supplies and steady demand point to continued record-level cull cow prices in 2026.
January 15, 2026 11:23 AM
·
A high-stakes legal case in a South Dakota federal court concerning misleading country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL), such as “Product of the USA,” on food products, will significantly impact U.S. agricultural policy for years to come.
January 14, 2026 09:00 AM
·
Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.
January 14, 2026 08:00 AM
·
