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
California rancher and former NCBA President Kevin Kester joined House Republicans on Tuesday to tout provisions in the Big, Beautiful Bill that support family ranches.
September 17, 2025 01:40 PM
·
The Fertilizer Research Act, reintroduced by Sens. Grassley, Ernst, and Baldwin, would direct the USDA to study and publish public reports on competition and pricing trends in the fertilizer market.
September 16, 2025 05:08 PM
·
Allowing year-round sales of E15 nationally could deliver billions in economic gains, according to a new study from the Renewable Fuels Association and National Corn Growers Association.
September 16, 2025 02:29 PM
·
Producers may need to prepare for margin pressure in livestock feeding, while dairy farmers could benefit from stronger product demand.
September 16, 2025 12:42 PM
·
Understanding the Big, Beautiful Bill’s complex impact on SNAP benefits – that’s the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV’s legal expert, Roger McEowen.
September 15, 2025 04:37 PM
·
U.S. trade talks with China resume, but meat industry leaders say dealing with shifting demand and market uncertainty is nothing new in this side of the ag sector.
September 15, 2025 12:57 PM
·
