U.S. Beef Output Falls to 14.4 Billion Pounds as Herd Liquidation Cuts Supply

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 24

U.S. commercial beef production dropped to 14.4 billion pounds in January-July 2026 from 15.2 billion a year earlier, according to USDA data.
16.2 million cattle were commercially slaughtered in the first seven months of 2026, down from 17.5 million, reflecting a smaller herd base.
Years of weak farm profitability drove producers to liquidate herds, Georgia cattle farmer Will Harris said, and higher cattle prices still have not triggered the usual rebuilding cycle.
High land, equipment and livestock costs are making expansion and new entry difficult, adding pressure to beef prices and raising concern about greater U.S. reliance on imported beef.