Live Cattle fell to 233.75 USd/Lbs on October 24, 2025, down 2.49% from the previous day. Over the past month, Live Cattle's price has risen 0.73%, and is up 23.38% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Live Cattle - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on October of 2025.

Feeder Cattle fell to 354.30 USd/Lbs on October 24, 2025, down 2.49% from the previous day. Over the past month, Feeder Cattle's price has risen 0.07%, and is up 41.96% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Feeder Cattle - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on October of 2025.

High prices have consistently elevated revenues for Canadian cattle producers over the current period, but also discouraged herd rebuilding and drained cattle supplies. Cattle prices have surged due to reduced herds in North America, influenced by persistent droughts impeding effective herd rebuilding. Although producers are generally inclined to rebuild, the volatility of high prices, along with the unpredictability of future drought impacts, has discouraged extensive retention practices. Profit has also been pressured by elevated input costs, particularly feed, but extreme cattle prices have allowed profit to recover and expand since its low in 2022. Compounding these challenges is the difficulty in passing increased costs onto consumers, who have shown a growing propensity to switch to alternative proteins. This, combined with the inherent volatility in agricultural outputs due to extreme weather events, continues to strain the financial health of producers despite elevated cattle prices. Overall, revenue has climbed at a CAGR of 4.4% since 2020, including an increase of 2.0% to reach an estimated $25.6 billion in 2025 as beef prices remain on the rise. Consumer behaviour around beef is being reshaped by health perceptions and sustainability concerns, as well as high beef prices. Persistent health advisories recommending reduced red meat consumption influence both domestic and global market demands, pushing consumers towards substitute proteins. Awareness around sustainability is intensifying interest in plant-based alternatives as environmentally friendly consumption gains traction. While inflation has moderated overall, beef prices continue to rise in response to supply-related constraints, making the protein more costly and steering some consumers toward more affordable options like pork and poultry. Industry associations and producers are focusing on marketing beef’s value, quality and affordability to retain consumer interest amid these shifts. The future outlook for the cattle industry will be strongly influenced by red meat prices, which will see initial short-term price increases and then are expected to ease over time, ultimately resulting in higher price levels in 2030 compared to 2025. These trends are driven by supply constraints and shifting global demands, while herd rebuilding efforts will gradually moderate the huge price increases of the current period. Concurrently, sustained pressures from consumer sustainability concerns are likely to continue spurring interest in alternative proteins, propelling producers toward adopting emission-reducing production methods. Nonetheless, rising disposable incomes, especially in emerging beef export markets, present opportunities for Canadian producers by increasing demand for premium beef products. Expanding into new markets will be particularly important for beef producers and the cattle farmers supplying them as US-Canada trade tensions and tariffs shake the stability of this major buyer. Additionally, anticipated global population growth will support heightened protein demand overall. Revenue is expected to climb at a CAGR of 0.1% to reach $25.8 billion over the five years to 2030.

Beef rose to 313.15 BRL/15KG on October 24, 2025, up 0.56% from the previous day. Over the past month, Beef's price has risen 3.69%, and is up 0.02% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Beef - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on October of 2025.

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.

Value per head of livestock at July 1, Canada and provinces (in dollars). Data are available on an annual basis.

PPI: Agri: sa: AA: Animals: Adult Cattle: Beef data was reported at 161.000 2020=100 in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 156.500 2020=100 for Feb 2025. PPI: Agri: sa: AA: Animals: Adult Cattle: Beef data is updated monthly, averaging 142.300 2020=100 from Jan 2020 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 63 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 161.000 2020=100 in Mar 2025 and a record low of 96.100 2020=100 in Apr 2020. PPI: Agri: sa: AA: Animals: Adult Cattle: Beef data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. The data is categorized under Global Database’s France – Table FR.I030: Producer Price Index: Agricultural Products: 2020=100: Seasonally Adjusted.

The timeline shows the annual averages of beef price spreads in the United States from 2006 to 2023. The beef price spread from wholesale to retail amounted to 345.4 U.S. cents per pound of retail equivalent in the United States in 2023.

The Asian beef market stood at $158.4B in 2024, increasing by 2.9% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated a pronounced expansion from 2012 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.4% over the last twelve years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption decreased by -5.8% against 2022 indices.

The US cattle industry has experienced notable revenue growth over the current period, expanding at a CAGR of 2.3% since 2020 to reach an estimated $10.0 billion in 2025, despite a contraction of 1.5% in the year. This growth has been driven by significant supply constraints due to persistent drought and high feed costs, which have led to a dwindling national cattle inventory as they push farmers toward selling and culling stock over herd expansion. Global demand, particularly from Asia and Latin America, continues to support elevated beef and pork prices, while domestic consumer trends show a shift towards alternative proteins amid declining per capita beef consumption. Despite increased revenue, the cattle and hog wholesaling sector faces significant cost pressures that threaten profit margins. Tight cattle inventories have resulted in rapid price increases, intensifying competition among wholesalers. Rising labor and utility costs, such as water, are likewise making livestock production more expensive. Compliance with new federal regulatory traceability requirements and sustainability practices further compresses profit, although it also offers potential for commanding premium pricing. Wholesalers able to adjust their own prices to match these cost increases have seen strong revenue growth, but many players, particularly those locked into long-term supply contracts, have struggled. Looking ahead, the industry faces a less promising outlook with revenue forecast to shrink at a CAGR of 0.4% through 2030, reducing total revenue to $9.8 billion. This decline will be driven by expected increases in cattle supplies, leading to lower cattle prices as market tightness eases, though pork price growth will keep the hog segment strong. Improved pasture conditions and herd rebuilding efforts are facilitating this supply rebound. However, the industry will continue to grapple with persistent agricultural labor shortages and climate-related challenges such as extreme weather events and water scarcity. These obstacles will directly challenge farmers' year-to-year herd sizes and health and thereby introduce a great deal of purchase cost volatility for wholesalers, making future planning, price-setting and operations expansion difficult.

HMPI: AF: AH: LA: Dairy Cattle, Live & Raw Milk from Dairy Cattle data was reported at 154.900 2020=100 in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 152.300 2020=100 for Feb 2025. HMPI: AF: AH: LA: Dairy Cattle, Live & Raw Milk from Dairy Cattle data is updated monthly, averaging 96.300 2020=100 from Jan 1990 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 399 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 154.900 2020=100 in Mar 2025 and a record low of 68.100 2020=100 in Dec 2004. HMPI: AF: AH: LA: Dairy Cattle, Live & Raw Milk from Dairy Cattle data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics Sweden. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Sweden – Table SE.I022: Producer Price Index: Home Sales: SPIN 2015: 2020=100.

The Hungarian beef market expanded notably to $195M in 2024, growing by 5.3% against the previous year. In general, the total consumption indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% over the last twelve-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption increased by +39.6% against 2020 indices.

Steaks were the most expensive cut of beef in the UK as of February 2024. For a kilogram of steak, consumers could expect to pay 16.78 British pounds. Mince was the cheapest beef product, at only 6.84 British pounds per kilogram.

UK beef consumption

Perhaps due to its cheap price point, mince is the most purchased cut of meat in Great Britain. The volume of mince purchased in 2020/2021 was more than double the purchases of the next most popular cut, beef burgers, and grills. In general, consumer spending on meat in the UK has increased. In 2022, spending exceeded 22 billion British pounds for the first time.

Cattle population in the UK

In 2022, the population of cattle and calves in the UK was about 9.4 million and has generally been gradually declining for almost two decades. The number of cows and bulls slaughtered annually has fluctuated during this period, however. In 2021. More than 655,000 cows and bulls were slaughtered in the UK.

The Portuguese beef market expanded remarkably to $1.3B in 2024, surging by 5.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated pronounced growth from 2012 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the last twelve years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption increased by +42.2% against 2020 indices.

The African beef market was estimated at $42.8B in 2024, surging by 1.9% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2012 to 2024; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The level of consumption peaked at $45.7B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2022, the population of cattle and calves in the United Kingdom was approximately 9.42 million, a slight decrease from the previous year. 2020 was the lowest number for the entire period shown in this graph. Despite a small rebound in 2014 and 2015 this constitutes a slow long-term decline of herd sizes.

Beef production

In 2021, just under two million animals that can be considered prime cattle were slaughtered. Older adult animals and calves amounted for slightly over 800,000 slaughtered animals. The average prime cattle carcass weighed 346 kilograms in 2020. As of the 6th of July 2019, prices for deadweight prime cattle reached a low of 327.5 p/kg. It is likely that more environmentally conscious and ethically minded consumers, which drive the trend for an increased demand of plant-based food, are responsible for the currently low price, which is decidedly under the five-year average.

Environmental impact

Beef consistently ranks among the most environmentally damaging food products. It produces the highest acidifying emissions per gram of protein, the most eutrophying (over enriching water with nutrients and minerals) emissions per gram of protein and requires the most water per ton of meat. Only lambs and sheep use more land per 100 grams of protein produced than cows. Both meat types have a higher CO² footprint than any other food. The enteric fermentation of the cows is the primary source for their greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions amounted to 18.1 million tons of CO² equivalent in the UK in 2021.

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Grass-Fed Beef Market Size 2025-2029

The grass-fed beef market size is forecast to increase by USD 3.23 billion, at a CAGR of 4.9% between 2024 and 2029.

Major Market Trends & Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 29% growth during the forecast period.
By the Product - Fresh grass-fed beef segment was valued at USD 6.83 billion in 2023
By the Distribution Channel - Indirect/Retail segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 44.53 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 3.23 billion 
CAGR : 4.9%
APAC: Largest market in 2023

Market Summary

Grass-fed beef, sourced from cattle raised on pasture and not fed grain or corn, has gained significant attention in the food industry due to its perceived health benefits and sustainable farming practices. The market for grass-fed beef is a dynamic one, with continuous shifts in consumer preferences, production methods, and pricing. Compared to conventionally raised beef, grass-fed beef production involves more extensive land usage and higher operational costs. These factors contribute to the higher prices associated with grass-fed beef products. However, the market's growth is driven by the increasing consumer demand for healthier and more ethically produced food options.
Companies in the market are constantly innovating to meet this demand. New packaging methods and value-added products, such as ground beef, sausages, and jerky, have emerged to cater to a broader consumer base. These developments aim to make grass-fed beef more accessible and convenient for consumers. Despite the higher prices, grass-fed beef's market share has been steadily increasing. In comparison to the total beef market, grass-fed beef accounted for approximately 5.2% of the market share in 2020. This figure represents a notable increase from the 3.7% share recorded in 2016. The ongoing trend suggests that the market will continue to expand, offering opportunities for producers and processors to capitalize on this growing consumer preference.
The market's dynamics are influenced by various factors, including consumer trends, production costs, and regulatory requirements. Producers must navigate these factors to remain competitive and meet the evolving demands of the market.

What will be the Size of the Grass-Fed Beef Market during the forecast period?

Explore market size, adoption trends, and growth potential for grass-fed beef market Request Free Sample

Grass-fed beef, a segment of the global livestock industry, experiences continuous growth driven by consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable meat options. Current market performance indicates that approximately 25% of all beef production comes from grass-fed cattle. Looking ahead, future growth expectations suggest a potential increase of up to 18% over the next five years. A comparison of key numerical data reveals significant differences between grass-fed and conventional beef production. For instance, grass-fed cattle yield an average of 30% less meat per animal compared to their grain-fed counterparts. However, grass-fed beef contains up to 50% more omega-3 fatty acids, a desirable nutrient for human health.
Additionally, grass-fed farming practices contribute to improved farm profitability and environmental sustainability. For example, grass-fed farming reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% compared to conventional methods. These statistics underscore the potential of grass-fed beef as a viable and growing market segment within the livestock industry. By focusing on consumer preferences for healthier and more sustainable meat options, grass-fed beef producers can capitalize on this trend and differentiate themselves from conventional producers.

How is this Grass-Fed Beef Industry segmented?

The grass-fed beef 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.

Product

  Fresh grass-fed beef
  Processed grass-fed beef


Distribution Channel

  Indirect/Retail
  Direct


Nature

  Organic
  Conventional


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    Australia
    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The fresh grass-fed beef segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Grass-fed beef production continues to gain traction in the global market due to increasing consumer preference for healthier, more natural food options. According to recent studies, the market in the US and Australia is experiencing significant growth, w

In 2024, the Vietnamese beef market increased by 1.2% to $3.3B, rising for the fourth consecutive year after three years of decline. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a slight expansion from 2012 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the last twelve-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption increased by +55.1% against 2020 indices.

Grain-sheep and grain-beef cattle farmers' performance has been volatile over the past five years. Fluctuations in annual rainfall have contributed to volatile grain production over the past few years. Rainfall has heavily influenced livestock production and sales because of its effect on pasture feed quality and the price of manufactured feed. La Niña weather conditions brought wetter, cooler weather across much of the country from 2020 to mid-2023. As a result, pasture feed quality improved, reducing farmers' reliance on purchased feed. Improving conditions allowed farmers to rebuild their herds and flocks, leading to an increase in saleyard livestock prices. Higher rainfall also bolstered grain output, causing revenue to rise. As conditions became drier, turn-off rates climbed and cattle prices plummeted in 2023-24. Collapsing prices for sheep, lambs and beef cattle, alongside falling prices for grains (with the exception of oats), led to a plummet in revenue and profit across farms. Prices have since bounced back, though turn-off rates have remained relatively high. However, falling grain prices have continued to weigh on revenue and profit. Overall, industry revenue is expected to edge downwards at an annualised 0.4% over the five years through 2025-26 to $17.2 billion. After surging in 2024-25, partly recovering from steep losses in 2023-24, revenue is projected to fall 7.4% in 2025-26 as sheep and beef cattle turn-off rates decline and grain harvest volumes drop. Farmers will continue to be at the mercy of weather patterns. Extreme weather conditions have the potential to negatively affect grain-sheep and grain-beef farmers. Additionally, farmers will likely have restricted access to water from the Murray-Darling Basin due to policies that limit water extraction, which could create production difficulties for farmers located in the region. Revenue is projected to rise, although with heavy volatility over the coming years, as wheat and beef cattle prices recover, but lamb and coarse grain prices fall. Overall, industry revenue is forecast to rise at an annualised 1.1% over the five years through 2030-31 to $18.2 billion.