WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. red meat production fell in 2025 as lower cattle and hog slaughter pulled total output below the previous year. Lower slaughter numbers helped tighten supplies even as animal weights moved higher.
USDA said total red meat production reached 53.8 billion pounds in 2025, down 2 percent from 2024. Beef production fell 4 percent to 26.1 billion pounds, while pork slipped 1 percent to 27.6 billion pounds. Lamb and mutton production edged slightly higher.
Commercial cattle slaughter dropped 6 percent to 29.8 million head. Hog slaughter fell 1 percent to 128 million head. Average live weights increased, with cattle up 33 pounds to 1,432 pounds and hogs up 1 pound to 289 pounds.
The packing sector remained concentrated. The 11 largest cattle plants handled 47 percent of total cattle slaughter, while the 15 largest hog plants accounted for 65 percent of hog slaughter.
Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas produced 49 percent of U.S. commercial red meat output in 2025. USDA also reported 1,127 federally inspected slaughter plants at the start of 2026, up from 1,089 a year earlier.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Lower slaughter numbers reduced 2025 red meat output even with heavier cattle and hogs.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association President Craig Uden shares the latest on Nebraska wildfire conditions, discusses challenges facing producers, and outlines relief efforts underway.
March 20, 2026 01:21 PM
·
Ranchers have a lot going on at the moment, but some ‘friendly’ news could be coming with this month’s Cattle-on-Feed Report from the USDA.
March 20, 2026 12:32 PM
·
The ag trade deficit is narrowing, but export competition remains strong.
March 20, 2026 06:00 AM
·
E15 policy could shape future corn demand outlook.
March 19, 2026 04:06 PM
·
As a part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, women across the state are being recognized for shaping the future of agricutlure.
March 19, 2026 02:01 PM
·
As the strike at a JBS facility in Colorado continues, the National Right to Work Foundation is encouraging some employees to consider returning to work. The group says not all workers on strike may want to participate and urges those who choose to cross the picket line to resign from their union memberships.
March 19, 2026 01:49 PM
·
