February 14, 2008

USDA forecasts beef consumption to slacken over next decade

US beef consumption is predicted to decline by nearly five pounds over the next decade, although consumer preference will not shift to cheaper protein sources, the USDA said.

In USDA's Agricultural Long-Term Projections to 2017, published Tuesday, per capita beef consumption which is at 65 pounds this year would decrease annually until 2017, when it would be 60.1 pounds.

Meanwhile, per capita consumption of pork, currently at 50.5 pounds, was projected to dip to 48.8 pounds. Per capita consumption of broilers at 85.4 pounds will grow to 88.1 pounds, the report said.

The net decrease for the three kinds of meat would be 2.9 pounds, caused by higher feed costs and rising exports.

The US annual per capita consumption of red meats and poultry falls from 221 pounds in 2007 to a low of 214 pounds in 2012-14, then it is projected to accelerate to almost 217 pounds in 2017.