LUBBOCK, TX – U.S. consumers are still reaching for beef even though the country now produces more pork than beef. Mississippi State University livestock economist Dr. Josh Maples says the difference between production and consumption shows how trade shapes the meat case.
USDA projects 2026 pork production near 28 billion pounds, compared with 25.5 billion pounds of beef. Broiler production is much larger at 49 billion pounds.
Per-person availability tells a different story. USDA projects Americans will have 60 pounds of beef available per person in 2026, compared with 49.6 pounds of pork and 105.6 pounds of chicken.
Trade explains much of the gap. The United States is expected to export roughly one-fourth of pork production, but only about 9 percent of beef production. Beef imports also add to the domestic market.
Retail prices show beef demand remains resilient. All-fresh beef reached a record $9.64 per pound in April, up 13 percent from last year, while pork was flat and broiler prices declined slightly.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Beef demand remains firm despite record prices, while pork and poultry production provide broader protein supplies.