The total beef production in the United States is estimated to be 26.96 billion pounds in 2023, down from 28.29 billion pounds in the previous year. Over the last two decades, the total U.S. beef production has fluctuated slightly but remained stable overall.

Beef retail in the United States Beef has the highest retail sales of any fresh meat in the United States, as of 2021. In that year, over 30 billion U.S. dollars worth of fresh beef were sold in the United States. The retail price for 100 percent ground beef in the United States was 4.8 U.S. dollars per pound in 2022, up from 3.95 U.S. dollars in 2020. Beef brisket, on the other hand, was priced on average around 8.84 U.S. dollars per pound in major grocery retailers.

U.S. beef consumption The United States consumes more beef than any other country in the world. Consumption of beef amounted to around 59 pounds per capita on an annual basis. This was projected to decrease slowly until 2032.

The US beef cattle production industry is currently marked by tight supply conditions and elevated prices. Over recent years, persistent drought conditions have led to significant herd liquidation, with beef cow numbers falling to historic lows. This contraction has created a bottleneck in calf production and feeder cattle availability, sustaining high cattle prices. In tandem, elevated feed costs have further pressured prices upwards, driving revenue as cattle producers seek to pass on costs and maintain their heightened profit. As herd rebuilding has remained slow, cattle supplies have remained low and kept prices high even as feed, energy and other key agricultural input costs have declined from their highs in 2022. Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 6.3% during the current period to reach an estimated $97.3 billion after declining by 1.0% in 2025. Consumer preferences are shifting in the beef cattle production industry. There is an increasing awareness of environmental and health-related concerns associated with beef consumption. Consequently, many consumers are reducing their intake of conventional beef, turning instead towards more sustainable and perceived healthier alternatives such as grass-fed and organic beef. This shift has spurred growth in these segments as consumers look for transparency and ethical farming practices. Retailers and restaurants have responded accordingly by offering more options that align with these consumer preferences. However, these trends also pose challenges, especially for smaller producers who face significant costs associated with transitioning to sustainable practices or achieving certifications like organic or "sustainably raised." Though opportunities for growth will continue to present themselves, the outlook for the industry as a whole does not look as positive in the next five years. Poultry, pork and plant-based proteins will threaten beef demand as they appeal to health-conscious customers, particularly as cattle prices are elevated. Climate change will also continue to introduce environmental pressures, demanding resilience and adaptability from producers. Periods of stable weather could facilitate herd rebuilding, leading to increased cattle supplies and dropping prices, but continued climatic fluctuations and extreme weather events could reduce the consistency of production and increase revenue volatility. Advancements in technology, such as drones and wearable sensors, promise to help optimize cattle management, improving operational efficiencies and animal welfare. These innovations, however, require investment and broader accessibility to ensure equitable adoption across the industry. Additionally, while global trade disruptions remain a concern due to disease outbreaks and geopolitical tensions, US producers will have opportunities in niche market segments to differentiate themselves, counterbalancing some of these pressures. Overall, revenue for cattle producers is forecast to decline through 2030 at a CAGR of 1.5% to $90.4 billion.

The timeline shows the commercial beef production in the United States from 2008 to 2023. In 2023, the commercial beef production of the United States amounted to about 30 billion pounds.

Graph and download economic data for Index of Beef Production for United States (M0148BUSM343NNBR) from Jan 1946 to Oct 1953 about meat, production, indexes, and USA.

Number of Businesses statistics on the Beef Cattle Production industry in the US

The environmental impacts of beef cattle production and their effects on the overall sustainability of beef have become a national and international concern. Our objective was to quantify important environmental impacts of beef cattle production in the United States. Surveys and visits of farms, ranches and feedlots were conducted throughout seven regions (Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Northern Plains, Southern Plains, Northwest and Southwest) to determine common practices and characteristics of cattle production. These data along with other information sources were used to create about 150 representative production systems throughout the country, which were simulated with the Integrated Farm System Model using local soil and climate data. The simulations quantified the performance and environmental impacts of beef cattle production systems for each region. A farm-gate life cycle assessment was used to quantify resource use and emissions for all production systems including traditional beef breeds and cull animals from the dairy industry. Regional and national totals were determined as the sum of the production system outputs multiplied by the number of cattle represented by each simulated system. The average annual greenhouse gas and reactive N emissions associated with beef cattle production over the past five years were determined to be 243 ± 26 Tg carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) and 1760 ± 136 Gg N, respectively. Total fossil energy use was found to be 569 ± 53 PJ and blue water consumption was 23.2 ± 3.5 TL. Environmental intensities expressed per kg of carcass weight produced were 21.3 ± 2.3 kg CO2e, 155 ± 12 g N, 50.0 ± 4.7 MJ, and 2034 ± 309 L, respectively. These farm-gate values are being combined with post farm-gate sources of packing, processing, distribution, retail, consumption and waste handling to produce a full life cycle assessment of U.S. beef. This study is the most detailed, yet comprehensive, study conducted to date to provide baseline measures for the sustainability of U.S. beef. Resources in this dataset:Resource Title: Appendix A. Supplementary Data - Tables S1 to S8 (docx). File Name: Web Page, url: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0308521X18305675-mmc1.docx Direct download, docx.

Table S1. Important characteristics of farms and ranches simulated throughout seven regions of the U.S.

Table S2. Important characteristics of representative finishing facilities simulated in seven regions of the U.S.

Table S3. Important characteristics of dairy farms simulated throughout seven regions of the U.S.

Table S4. Summary of 25 years of weather data (daily solar radiation, daily mean temperature, annual precipitation and daily wind speed)1 used to simulate beef cattle operations in each area of the eastern regions.

Table S5. Soil characteristics used for locations simulated across the U.S.

Table S6. Cattle numbers by state and region as obtained or estimated from NASS (2017).

Table S7. Cattle numbers by state and region divided between traditional beef and dairy breeds as obtained or estimated from NASS (2017).

Table S8. Important resource inputs and emissions from representative cow-calf, stocker / background and feedlot operations expressed per unit of final carcass weight (CW) produced.

In the U.S., there have been approximately three times more beef cows than dairy cows each year since 2001. As of 2024, it was estimated that there were about 28 million beef cows and only about 9.3 million dairy cows. Beef vs. dairy cows Both beef and dairy cows are bred for their respective purposes and farmers often look for different qualities in each. Dairy cows are often bigger, as they can produce a larger volume of milk. Beef cows on the other hand are generally shorter and there is more emphasis on their muscle growth, among other qualities. In 2022, over 28 billion pounds of beef were produced in the United States. U.S. milk production and consumption The United States was among the top consumers of milk worldwide in 2022, surpassed only by India and the European Union. The annual consumption of milk in the U.S. that year was just under 21 million metric tons. To keep up with this level of consumption, milk production in the U.S. has increased by over 60 billion pounds since 1999 and is expected to exceed 228 billion pounds by 2023. California and Wisconsin were the top producing states as of 2022, producing about 41.8 and 31.9 billion pounds of milk, respectively.

Forecast: Beef Production in the US 2022 - 2026 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

United States Red Meat Production: Annual: Beef data was reported at 27,054.800 lb mn in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 27,033.900 lb mn for 2023. United States Red Meat Production: Annual: Beef data is updated yearly, averaging 25,222.100 lb mn from Dec 1970 (Median) to 2024, with 55 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 28,358.300 lb mn in 2022 and a record low of 21,278.000 lb mn in 1973. United States Red Meat Production: Annual: Beef data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Economic Research Service. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.RI025: Red Meat Production.

Forecast: Beef Meat Production in the US 2023 - 2027 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Statistics illustrates production of beef (cattle meat) in the United States from 2007 to 2024.

United States Red Meat Production: Commercial: Beef data was reported at 2,152.900 lb mn in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 2,020.200 lb mn for Feb 2025. United States Red Meat Production: Commercial: Beef data is updated monthly, averaging 1,925.500 lb mn from Jan 1944 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 963 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,512.000 lb mn in Oct 2002 and a record low of 366.000 lb mn in Sep 1946. United States Red Meat Production: Commercial: Beef data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Economic Research Service. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.RI025: Red Meat Production.

The Census of Agriculture, produced by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA), provides a complete count of America's farms, ranches and the people who grow our food. The census is conducted every five years, most recently in 2017, and provides an in-depth look at the agricultural industry.This layer summarizes cattle production from the 2017 Census of Agriculture at the county level.This layer was produced from data downloaded using the USDA's QuickStats Application. The data was transformed using the Pivot Table tool in ArcGIS Pro and joined to the county boundary file provided by the USDA. The layer was published as feature layer in ArcGIS Online. Dataset SummaryPhenomenon Mapped: 2017 Cattle ProductionCoordinate System: Web Mercator Auxiliary SphereExtent: 48 Contiguous United States, Alaska, and HawaiiVisible Scale: All ScalesSource: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service QuickStats ApplicationPublication Date: 2017AttributesThis layer provides values for the following attributes. Note that some values are not disclosed (coded as -1 in the layer) to protect the privacy of producers in areas with limited production.Cattle - Operations with SalesCattle - Sales in US DollarsCattle - Sales in HeadDairy - Operations with SalesDairy - Sales in US DollarsAdditionally attributes of State Name, State Code, County Name and County Code are included to facilitate cartography and use with other layers.What can you do with this layer?This layer can be used throughout the ArcGIS system. Feature layers can be used just like any other vector layer. You can use feature layers as an input to geoprocessing tools in ArcGIS Pro or in Analysis in ArcGIS Online. Combine the layer with others in a map and set custom symbology or create a pop-up tailored for your users.For the details of working with feature layers the help documentation for ArcGIS Pro or the help documentation for ArcGIS Online are great places to start. The ArcGIS Blog is a great source of ideas for things you can do with feature layers.This layer is part of ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World that provides an easy way to find and explore many other beautiful and authoritative layers, maps, and applications on hundreds of topics.

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US Beef Market Size 2025-2029

The US beef market size is forecast to increase by USD 9.1 billion at a CAGR of 3.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The US beef market is experiencing significant growth due to rising consumer preferences and demand for protein-rich foods, particularly beef. However, this market faces challenges in areas such as beef preservation and sustainability. Innovations like cell culture technology and plant-based meat alternatives, made from wheat gluten and other plant-based proteins, are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers, especially those with type 2 diabetes. 
Logistics and dining out continue to be major areas of focus, with the need for efficient supply chain management and food safety regulations. Overall, the beef market In the US is undergoing significant changes, driven by consumer preferences, technological innovations, and sustainability concerns.

What will be the Size of the US Beef Market During the Forecast Period?

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The US beef market, a significant segment of the animal-sourced protein industry, continues to exhibit robust growth In the food sector. With increasing health consciousness among consumers, beef's nutrient-dense profile, including high protein value, essential nutrients, and relatively lower calorie content compared to other meats, positions it as a preferred choice for many. The market's sizeable consumer base includes cafes and eateries catering to middle-class populations and the working population, who seek convenient food options. Beef's versatility, with offerings ranging from steaks and ground cuts to burgers and rolls, appeals to diverse dietary preferences. The industry's focus on sustainable practices and the use of feed materials ensures a steady supply of high-quality beef.
However, the rise of plant-based proteins and changing dietary habits, particularly among younger generations, may impact the market's growth trajectory. The beef industry remains a vital contributor to the food sector, offering a rich source of essential nutrients for consumers.

How is this US Beef Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The beef in US industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Type

  Loin
  Brisket
  Shank
  Others


Product

  Fresh beef
  Processed beef


Geography

  US

By Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The US beef market caters to the demand for animal sourced protein In the food sector, with beef being a preferred choice due to its high nutritional value, particularly in terms of protein, iron, and zinc. Middle class consumers and the working population prioritize beef for its taste and health benefits, leading to its popularity in cafes and eateries. Convenience foods, such as steaks, ground cuts, burgers, rolls, and roasts, are widely consumed due to their ease of preparation and long shelf life. companies In the beef industry focus on sustainability, offering premium and organic beef, as well as sustainable farming practices and traceability.

Food safety and nutritional content are key concerns, with an increasing emphasis on disease resistance and meat quality through genetic engineering and sustainable practices. The market includes various cuts, such as brisket, shank, and loin, and cater to diverse consumer preferences, including Kosher and Halal requirements. Distribution channels include meat processing facilities, retail outlets, and online channels, with branded products and premiumization trends driving growth. Research organizations and industry reports highlight the importance of sustainable farming practices, environmental impact, and consumer preferences in shaping the future of the beef market. The market is expected to grow, driven by increasing health consciousness and dietary preferences, as well as the availability of plant-based protein alternatives, such as soy, peas, and wheat gluten, and lab-grown meat.

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The Offline segment was valued at USD 38.00 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2024 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

What are the key market drivers leading to the rise In the adoption of Beef in US Industry?

Rising consumer preferences and demand for beef is the key driver of the market.The US beef market is experiencing significant chan

Discover the challenges facing the US beef industry and why Trump's return is unlikely to boost it amidst cattle shortages and economic pressures.

The timeline shows the commercial red meat production in the United States from 2008 to 2023. In 2023, the total commercial red meat production of the United States amounted to about 54.44 billion pounds.

Livestock traceability has increasingly become a focus for the USDA, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, high-volume beef-exporting states, and other beef industry stakeholders. The focus on traceability within the United States (U.S.) began after several international animal disease outbreaks and continues to be of importance with highly infectious diseases spreading across the globe. Mitigating adverse future disease outbreaks and food safety events, as well as maintaining export markets through a positive international perception of U.S. beef has become a top priority. Implementing a national animal identification (ID) and traceability program would enable the industry to track and reduce the potential losses due to an outbreak or event. However, such a system comes at a cost, mainly to cow-calf producers. This study utilizes a partial equilibrium model to determine the impacts of a beef cattle animal ID and traceability system in the United States. Utilizing an economic model allows us to provide a comparison of how the various beef sectors would need to respond to offset the costs of a national animal ID and traceability program. Assuming no changes in domestic and international demand for U.S. beef, producers at the wholesale, slaughter, and feeder levels lose $475 million, $1,143 million, and $1,291 million, respectively, in a 10-year discounted cumulative producer surplus. A 17.7 and 1.9% increase in international and domestic beef demand would be required to completely offset the producer costs of CattleTrace, respectively.

There is consumer pressure on the US beef cattle industry to minimize antibiotic use (ABU) in order to aid in the global antimicrobial resistance mitigation efforts. Our objective was to estimate the economic costs of ABU constraints in a conceptual US integrated beef supply chain (IBSC) to aid the beef industry in mitigating the ever-increasing risk of antimicrobial resistance, by reducing their ABU. An IBSC network model was developed and differentiated into 37 different nodes of production. Each node could only raise a specific type of animals, differentiated based on the production technique and animal health status. The cost, as well as the weight gain coefficient, was estimated for each node, using an IBSC cost of production model. Linear programming solutions to this network model provided the least cost path of beef supply through the system, under various ABU constraints. The cost as well as weight gain coefficient of the 37 nodes, initial supply of 28.5 million calves weighing 0.65 million metric tons, and final demand of 16.14 million metric tons of slaughter-ready fed cattle were used as inputs/constraints to the three different linear programming scenarios, with different ABU constraints. Our first scenario, which placed no constraint on ABU, estimated that the minimum total economic cost to meet the final beef demand was $38.6 billion. The optimal solution was to use only the high health status calves for beef production. Because low health calves occur in the beef system, our second scenario required all the calves irrespective of their health status to be used, which increased the system cost to $41.5 billion. Thus, the value of only producing high health status calves is $2.9 billion. Our third scenario, which restricted feedlots from using antibiotics even for low health calves, incurred a total cost of $41.9 billion for antibiotic-free beef production. We concluded that the additional cost of $367 million for implementing antibiotic-free beef production is relatively low, ~0.90% of the minimum cost incurred for the conventional beef supply chain (model 2 cost of $41.5 billion). However, a much higher cost savings is obtained by producing only high health status calves.

United States Red Meat Production: Annual: Farm data was reported at 91.700 lb mn in 2024. This stayed constant from the previous number of 91.700 lb mn for 2023. United States Red Meat Production: Annual: Farm data is updated yearly, averaging 150.450 lb mn from Dec 1970 (Median) to 2024, with 55 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 580.000 lb mn in 1974 and a record low of 87.600 lb mn in 2017. United States Red Meat Production: Annual: Farm data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Economic Research Service. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.RI025: Red Meat Production.

Forecast: Veal and Beef Production at Farm Gate in the US 2023 - 2027 Discover more data with ReportLinker!