Animal Production

The 935,700 animal production operations in the US include farms that raise livestock (such as beef cattle, poultry, sheep, and hogs); farms that employ animals to produce products (such as dairies, egg farms, and apiaries); and animal specialty farms (such as aquaculture (fish farms)).

Environmental Impacts Drive Regulation

Livestock production introduces environmental risks that, if not properly managed, can impact human health.

Rebounding Red Meat Consumption

Red meat's share of the American diet has shifted over time.

Aug 23, 2026 - USDA Reopening Southern Livestock Ports

• The USDA will begin a phased reopening of southern livestock ports on August 24, 2026, starting with Douglas, Arizona, after concluding that Mexico's Sonora and Chihuahua states have made sufficient progress controlling New World screwworm (NWS). Every imported animal will undergo USDA inspection, and additional ports in New Mexico could reopen later if Mexico continues meeting disease-control milestones, according to a statement from the department. The department's decision should help to normalize business for cattle operations throughout the border states and Southern Plains by gradually restoring imports of Mexican feeder cattle, helping ease tight cattle supplies, supporting feedlot placements, and moderating replacement cattle costs. However, the reopening is conditional and could be paused if NWS risks increase, meaning supply uncertainty will remain. Ranchers must also continue monitoring biosecurity because preventing the screwworm from entering the US remains USDA's top priority, and renewed outbreaks could disrupt cross-border cattle trade again.
• China is rapidly expanding domestic beef production as wetter conditions in northern regions, government investment, improved cattle genetics, and higher import tariffs reduce reliance on foreign beef, The New York Times reports. China's beef herd has grown by one-third since 2018 to nearly 90 million head, while the government has capped imports and imposed 55% tariffs once country quotas are exceeded to support domestic producers, according to NYT. Although China is expected to remain a major beef importer, its push toward greater self-sufficiency could slow import growth over time, reducing a key export opportunity for US cattle ranchers. Producers that have relied on rising Chinese demand may face increased competition from China's expanding domestic industry and more uncertain export prospects, making other international markets increasingly important for long-term growth.
• The USDA projects continued growth in US pork exports through 2035, creating a favorable outlook for pork producers. Rising global incomes and an expected weakening of the US dollar are forecast to increase international demand for US pork. US pork exports surpassed chicken exports in 2024 for the first time since 1976 and are expected to maintain that lead through 2035. Export growth will be supported by increased production efficiency, including heavier slaughter weights, larger litters, and expanding hog inventories. In addition, environmental regulations are expected to constrain pork production growth in the European Union, improving the competitive position of US producers globally. The agency projects pork exports to rise from an expected 7.2 billion pounds in 2026 to 7.8 billion pounds by 2035, exceeding the previous record set in 2020.
• America's farm-raised catfish industry faces growing economic pressure from rising production costs, foreign competition, disease, bird predation, and weather-related risks, Farm Bureau reports. Feed, labor, fingerling (juvenile fish), and energy expenses have increased substantially, leaving many producers operating near breakeven levels. At the same time, lower-priced imported Vietnamese swai has become a major competitor, putting pressure on domestic pricing and margins. Disease outbreaks and fish-eating birds can quickly erase profits, while extreme weather adds further uncertainty. Despite improvements in genetics, aeration, and production technology, US catfish acreage has declined by about 75% from its peak, and the number of farms has fallen from more than 1,300 to fewer than 400. Continued industry contraction threatens not only producers but also processors, hatcheries, feed mills, and rural communities that depend on catfish production. Catfish farming is America’s largest aquaculture industry.

Industry size & Structure

The 935,700 livestock operations in the US include 545,800 cattle operations, 21,800 hog and pig farms, 75,600 poultry and egg farms, 79,400 sheep and goat farms, and 23,100 dairy farms.

• Livestock farms produce about $262 billion in average annual value on 393 million acres. The average livestock operation generates about $280,000 in annual revenue.
• The US Census Bureau defines a farm as an operation that produces or should have reasonably produced over $1,000 in revenue during a given year, including government payments.
• About 90% of livestock farms are owned by farm families in which the family owns and/or operates the farm and has done so for generations.
• More than 268,700 people are hired employees in the livestock industry, but 77% of total livestock labor is family members.
• Farm operations that generate more than $1 million in revenue account for 79% of livestock production value.
• Cattle production is the most important agricultural industry in the US, accounting for the largest share of total cash receipts for farm commodities, according to the USDA.