Total Meat Supplies End Year on High Note

By David Anderson

Total meat production surged in December, with production of all major meat species higher than the year before.  It was a sharp contrast to the rest of the year, in which less beef and pork were produced than in 2024.  

Red Meat

Red meat production, led by beef and pork, normally increases seasonally, from Summer to Fall.  This year was no exception as both increased seasonally over that period.  Beef and pork production in December were 0.5 percent and 3.9 percent larger than in December 2024, respectively.  Larger December beef production may surprise some, given the talk all year of tighter beef supplies, but steer dressed weights surged to new record highs, over 980 pounds per head, leading to larger beef production.  Heavier barrow and gilt dressed weights than a year ago helped boost pork production, as well.  

For the year, red meat production was 1.9 percent less, about 1 billion pounds, than in 2024.  Beef production was down about 3.3 percent, and pork production was almost 0.5 percent smaller.  About 1 percent more lamb was produced in 2025.  For the third consecutive year, more pork than beef was produced.  

Poultry

While red meat production declined, young chickens (broilers) expanded their share of total meat production.  Broiler and turkey production increased 4.0 percent and 8.4 percent, respectively, in December compared to last December.  Less expensive feed and higher wholesale broiler meat prices earlier in the year contributed profits to fuel increased production.  The late increase in turkey production might be considered “too little, too late” for the whole bird market since it was after Thanksgiving, and it followed on the heels of increasing production in the second half of the year.