U.S. animal feed demand has remained steady through mid-2025, despite herd size adjustments in cattle and hog sectors and continued shifts in poultry production, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and ongoing analysis from land-grant university researchers.

Feed use for cattle has shown moderate resilience as producers adapt to regional drought recovery and variable corn prices. According to the USDA’s May 2025 Feed Outlook, total feed grain consumption is forecast to reach 145.3 million metric tons, up slightly from 2024. Corn remains the dominant component, though sorghum and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are seeing increased use in some southern and central states due to cost advantages and local availability.

In the poultry sector, broiler production is trending higher than last year. A recent report from the USDA Economic Research Service projects broiler output to rise by 1.6% in 2025, driven by strong export demand and improved margins. This growth is supporting increased soybean meal utilization, particularly in integrated operations.

Meanwhile, the swine sector continues to recalibrate following supply chain disruptions and processing bottlenecks seen earlier in the year. While feed consumption per head remains stable, total use has dipped slightly due to reduced farrowing. Hog producers are focusing more on feed efficiency, and ration formulations have shifted accordingly, with greater reliance on synthetic amino acids and enzyme supplements.

Feed safety remains a key area of emphasis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to monitor compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) rules for animal food, with recent audits focusing on preventive controls and traceability.

Looking ahead, potential market volatility tied to summer weather patterns and input price fluctuations could influence feed purchasing strategies. However, most analysts expect overall feed demand to remain stable across major livestock categories through harvest.

Sources

  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (Feed Outlook, May 2025)
  • USDA Economic Research Service (Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook, May 2025)
  • FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (FSMA Compliance Updates)