The United States of America (USA) is the world's largest meat producer, with a diverse industry spanning beef, pork, poultry, and lamb. It drives economic value through massive scale, technology, and exports, though facing sustainability and health critiques.
Production In 2025, beef production is 26,565 million pounds (~12.05 million tonnes), pork 28,530 million pounds (~12.94 million tonnes), broilers 47,625 million pounds (~21.61 million tonnes), turkeys 4,970 million pounds (~2.25 million tonnes), lamb/mutton 134 million pounds (~0.06 million tonnes). Total red meat and poultry ~48 million tonnes.
Exports and Consumption Exports: Beef 2,795 million pounds (~1.27 million tonnes), pork 7,295 million pounds (~3.31 million tonnes), broilers 6,605 million pounds (~3.00 million tonnes). Per capita consumption: Beef 59.1 pounds (~26.8 kg), pork 51.4 pounds (~23.3 kg), broilers 103.1 pounds (~46.8 kg), total red meat/poultry 226 pounds (~102.5 kg). Slight decline from 2024 due to costs.
Relative to Population Population 347.3 million in 2025. Per capita production ~138 kg, consumption ~102 kg, with exports balancing surplus.
Represents beef producers, advocating for policy, sustainability, and market access for the cattle industry, one of the largest in U.S. agriculture. www.ncba.org
Advocates for pork producers, focusing on trade, environmental regulations, and animal health to support the U.S. pork industry. www.nppc.org
Represents broiler producers, promoting poultry welfare, food safety, and industry growth, addressing consumer and regulatory issues. www.nationalchickencouncil.org
Represents egg producers, setting standards for hen welfare, biosecurity, and sustainability in the egg industry. www.unitedegg.com
Promotes dairy farming and products, supporting dairy farmers through advocacy, marketing, and education programs. www.dairy.org
Represents sheep producers, focusing on wool and lamb production, trade, and sustainability initiatives. www.sheepusa.org
A coalition uniting livestock sectors to promote animal agriculture, address public concerns, and advocate for sustainable practices. www.animalagalliance.org
The USDA’s research arm, conducting studies on livestock genetics, nutrition, health, and sustainability to enhance productivity and food safety. www.ars.usda.gov
Funds research, education, and extension for livestock health, production systems, and product quality, collaborating with land-grant universities. www.nifa.usda.gov
A membership society supporting research in animal production, genetics, and welfare, publishing the Journal of Animal Science. www.asas.org
Advances dairy science through research on cow health, milk production, and genetics, fostering innovation and education. www.adsa.org
Promotes research in poultry production, health, and welfare, publishing scientific findings to improve industry practices. www.poultryscience.org
