The US meat and poultry industry, as well as other key sectors of US agriculture, in early May faced an uncertain second half of 2025.

This year could be even more challenging for beef packers than 2023 because US cow-calf producers continue to reduce their herds. 

The biggest challenge facing the beef processing sector will come late in the year as ongoing liquidation starts to show up in smaller supplies of both fed and non-fed cattle.

An analysis of the most widely consumed protein, chicken, suggests the poultry sector is best positioned to deal with inflation at whatever level. 

In 2021, beef processors thrived while demand for animal protein continued growing.