ANALYSIS:2025 Pork Production Trends Reflect Softer Output Versus 2024

According to the latest USDA data, federally inspected monthly pork production in 2025 totaled approximately 25,060.9 million pounds through November, representing a 1.6% decline from the same period in 2024, when output reached 25,460.2 million pounds. On a year-to-date basis, average monthly production in 2025 is running near 2,278 million pounds, down about 1.6% from the 2024 YTD average, and roughly 0.5% below the three-year average. This confirms the narrative established earlier in the year that overall production has moderated...

ANALYSIS: USDA Livestock Forecast Points to Lower Pork Production

In the USDA Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook released August 18, 2025, the pork market was adjusted a little lower. USDA now forecasts 2025 production at 27.7 billion pounds, down 0.5% from last year.

For 2026, production is forecast at 28.4 billion pounds, a modest 2.5% increase but still under last month’s estimate. The changes stem from slower hog slaughter and lighter weights, with spring PRRS disease pressures keeping supplies tighter.

Hog prices are forecast by USDA to remain active, averaging about $77/cwt in the third quarter and...

ANALYSIS: Slight Dip in Total Red Meat Output Despite Steady Pork Gains in April

The USDA’s latest Monthly Livestock Slaughter report reveals that US commercial red meat production in April 2025 totaled 4.60 billion pounds, reflecting a modest 1% decline from the 4.64 billion pounds reported in April 2024.

Cumulative red meat production from January through April reached 18.1 billion pounds, also down 1% year-over-year. Within the broader protein mix, beef production slipped 1%, veal saw a sharp 40% decrease, and pork edged 1% lower. However, lamb and mutton production bucked the trend...