Market estimates show that Brazil surpassed the U.S. as the world’s number one beef producer in 2025. Reuters said that happened after Brazil beat output forecasts by hundreds of thousands of tons.
Beef prices are projected to continue increasing in 2026 as U.S. beef production continues to decline, with no obvious signs of a rebuilding cattle herd.
The latest forecast from USDA shows a slight increase in beef production this year and next. The Department says the increase this year is up to 190 million pounds, while 2026’s number increased to 340 million pounds.