Excellent news from Thursday's USDA update regarding beef demand. It was the winner again, despite prices setting record highs (for live cattle futures on Monday).
Per capita beef consumption estimates were increased again, with the annual rate for 2026 now expected to be 59.8 pounds compared to 59.6 last month, 59.3 pounds in 2025 and 59.1 pounds per person in 2024.
That may not seem like much but obviously the Administration's push for increased red meat consumption is making a difference regardless of price. This month alone that resulted in a 135 million pound increase in domestic consumption over last month, taking it to 322 million pounds over last year and 594 million pounds over 2024's levels.
To satisfy the demand increase along with a 20 million pound reduction in production for 2026, import estimates were increased by 115 million pounds with export estimates being cut by 30 million, leaving another 10 million pound reduction in ending stocks. That leaves end of year supplies projected to be 550 million pounds compared to 602 million pounds at the end of 2024.
And plenty of reason to celebrate if you're in the cattle industry...
Per capita beef consumption estimates were increased again, with the annual rate for 2026 now expected to be 59.8 pounds compared to 59.6 last month, 59.3 pounds in 2025 and 59.1 pounds per person in 2024.
That may not seem like much but obviously the Administration's push for increased red meat consumption is making a difference regardless of price. This month alone that resulted in a 135 million pound increase in domestic consumption over last month, taking it to 322 million pounds over last year and 594 million pounds over 2024's levels.
To satisfy the demand increase along with a 20 million pound reduction in production for 2026, import estimates were increased by 115 million pounds with export estimates being cut by 30 million, leaving another 10 million pound reduction in ending stocks. That leaves end of year supplies projected to be 550 million pounds compared to 602 million pounds at the end of 2024.
And plenty of reason to celebrate if you're in the cattle industry...