COUNTRY PROFILE 84 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2026 Poultry and Egg Sector: The Dominant Force in the Market The poultry sector is the most resilient and fastest-growing branch of U.S. livestock. Broiler (meattype chicken) meat has become the "budget-friendly" protein choice for consumers due to price increases in beef. Broiler meat production, which was 48,003 million pounds (approx. 21.77 million tons) in 2025, is estimated to reach 48,500 million pounds (approx. 22.00 million tons) in 2026. On the consumption side, per capita broiler consumption—which hit a historical record of 102.9 pounds (46.7 kg) in 2025—is projected to climb further to 103.8 pounds (47.1 kg) in 2026. In the layer industry, the U.S. poultry sector is contending with risks posed by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks. Current estimates show that egg production dipped to 7,382 million dozen (approximately 88.6 billion units) in 2025 due to disease pressure; however, modern facilities are beginning to absorb these shocks through biosecurity investments. Production is projected to rebound in 2026, reaching 7,875 million dozen (approximately 94.5 billion units). Annual per capita egg consumption in the country is estimated at approximately 260 units for 2025, representing a significant decline compared to previous years. Nevertheless, current forecasts indicate this figure will rise again in 2026, reaching 272 units. Pork Sector Standing out for its high biosecurity standards and level of integration, the U.S. pork sector maintains its production capacity through productivity gains. Although the breeding herd size has remained stable, total pork production rose by 3% in 2025 to reach 27,577 million pounds (approximately 12.51 million tons) due to increased yield per animal. This volume is projected to rise to 28,275 million pounds (approximately 12.82 million tons) in 2026. This productivity growth is supported by continuous improvements in the litter rate (number of piglets per litter). On the consumption side, per capita pork consumption reached 49.3 pounds (22.4 kg) in 2025 and is estimated to hit 50.5 pounds (22.9 kg) in 2026. Additionally, the country exports approximately 25% of its total pork production. Milk cows (thousands) Milk per cow (pounds) Milk production (billion pounds) 9,490 24,392 231.5 9,540 24,585 234.5 2025 2026 Source: USDA, ERS, Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook Reports, February 2026 Dairy Forecasts Beef Pork Lamb and mutton Broilers Turkeys Total red meat and poultry Table eggs, million dozen 59.2 49.3 1.3 102.9 13.2 227.3 259.8 59.5 50.5 1.3 103.8 13.4 230.0 272.3 25,920 28,275 134 48,500 4,965 108,363 7,875 26,001 27,577 134 48,003 4,844 107,093 7,382 Per capita disappearance, retail pounds 1/ Production, million pounds 2025 2026 2026 2025 Source: USDA, ERS, Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook Reports, February 2026 U.S. Red Meat and Poultry Forecasts
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