NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Officials are back in Madrid for another round of trade talks. Tariffs are paused through November, but tensions remain. China has yet to book new U.S. soybeans, and demand for other crops is soft.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation notes that these challenges are nothing new, citing record global demand for U.S. beef and pork. Industry leaders remain confident that, despite tariffs, a stable market can still be achieved. Analysts also say all eyes should be on Brazil, where tariffs could affect the U.S. beef supply and market balance.
Rising productivity is reshaping beef and pork markets, allowing steady output with fewer breeding animals. Lamb production, however, illustrates how consumer demand and breed shifts can reduce per-animal output, creating different pressures within the industry.
Productivity Trends Shape Beef, Pork, and Lamb Output
Livestock economist Dr. David Anderson of Texas A&M University says rising productivity explains how U.S. beef production remains strong despite the smallest cow herd since 1961.
Beef production per cow has climbed from 629 pounds in 2000 to 724 pounds in 2024, largely driven by heavier dressed weights rather than calving rate improvements. Per beef cow only, output soared from 166 pounds in 2000 to 966 pounds in 2024.
In pork, productivity has surged even faster, with production per sow up 52 percent since 2000. Gains came from more pigs per litter, more litters per year, and heavier hog weights. Average pigs per litter rose from 8.8 in 2000 to nearly 11.8 in 2024, while dressed weights climbed to 212 pounds. Disease events like PEDv have slowed progress, but the long-term trend remains higher.
Lamb production tells a different story, with output per ewe falling from 57 pounds in 2000 to 48 pounds in 2024. The shift reflects consumer demand for smaller carcasses and the rise of hair sheep breeds.
