USDA Projects Record Animal Product Growth Through 2033
The USDA’s latest projections reveal that U.S. animal product production will reach unprecedented levels by 2033, with beef, pork, and chicken leading the charge. Beef and chicken are each expected to grow by 11%, while pork production could jump by 14%.
Even egg and milk outputs are projected to rise significantly—12% and 9%, respectively. However, turkey remains an exception, with only a modest 4% growth.
Globally, poultry consumption is predicted to overtake pork and beef within the next decade. Nations like Pakistan, India, and Vietnam are driving this shift as they move away from grain-based staples such as rice and corn toward protein-rich diets.
The USDA notes this trend is especially pronounced in middle-income countries like China.
Soybeans and Corn See Yield Gains Despite Challenges
U.S. soybean production is poised to grow by 19% over the next decade, supported by increasing yields and expanded exports.
Domestic demand for soybean meal is also projected to rise, driven by the surging livestock industry. Exports could increase by 22%, reflecting the crop’s vital role in meeting global protein demand.
Corn tells a different story, with planted acres expected to drop by 7% by 2033. However, yield advancements will ensure incremental production growth, hitting 15.94 billion bushels by the end of the period. Still, prices are likely to decline, with the average farm price projected to fall 13% by 2025.
Shifting Dynamics Across U.S. Agriculture
While technological advancements fuel yield growth, U.S. net farm income is expected to shrink 18% by 2033.
Soybeans and corn may achieve record production, but falling commodity prices and reduced planted acres pose challenges. Wheat, too, faces price declines, though modest production growth offers a silver lining.
The USDA report highlights how evolving global tastes and innovative farming practices are shaping the future. As the world’s appetite for protein-rich diets grows, the U.S. agriculture sector remains a key player in meeting these demands.
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