Takeaways from the 2025 State of Beef Industry survey reflect the industry is currently thriving financially but facing long-term structural challenges around herd rebuilding, succession planning and maintaining competitiveness through innovation and efficiency improvements.
Despite the challenges, optimism is rising: 47% plan herd growth, and two-thirds report profitability. Survey results summarize producers believe long-term success will depend on adaptability and innovation.
In its third year, Farm Journal’s State of the Beef Industry 2025 Survey, provides a comprehensive overview of the current status and outlook of the beef industry. The report surveyed 469 beef producers from across the U.S., focusing on those with cow herds that exceed 50 pairs or more than 500 on feed.
The year-over-year comparisons are starting to tell a story about what’s going on in the industry and the shifts producers are experiencing. Here are some key takeaways:
- Two-thirds of producers have added new revenue streams like selling direct to consumer, developing a recipient herd, custom calving or hunting, which helps offset the risk of volatile markets.
- Comparing the 2023 and 2024 surveys, the number of respondents who precondition calves before marketing has been consistent — 83% in 2025, 79% in 2024 and 82% in 2023.
- Of the survey participants, 84% selected genetics and performance information as a consideration when buying bulls. Other top factors included disposition (79%) and phenotype or appearance (79%). Source came in at 56% and value 54%.
The State of the Beef Industry Report provides information to help producers when making decisions. Click here to download the full report.
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