January 29, 2026

Higher US beef and pork production in December last year

US red meat production finished 2025 on a stronger monthly note, led by higher beef and pork output in December, even as full-year totals remained below 2024 levels.

USDA data show packers ran harder late in the year, supported by more slaughter days and heavier carcass weights.

Beef production totaled 2.30 billion pounds in December, up 4% from a year earlier. Cattle slaughter increased 2% to 2.58 million head, while average live weights climbed sharply, up 32 pounds to 1,463 pounds. The weight gain accounted for much of the year-over-year increase in beef output despite a smaller national cattle herd.

Pork production reached a record December high of 2.52 billion pounds, up 8% from 2024. Hog slaughter rose 7% to 11.5 million head, with average live weights edging up two pounds to 293 pounds, reinforcing strong processing efficiency.

Beyond beef and pork, veal production declined sharply, down 31%, while lamb and mutton production rose 3%.

For all of 2025, total red meat production fell 2%, with beef down 4% and pork down 1% year over year.

- RFD NEWS