“Two years from now, will people be happy with the agenda…or not happy?” asked Christian Richter, principal with The Policy Group, during his 2025 Washington update. He spoke at the Poultry Market Intelligence Forum, sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, and held during the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE).
Richter was referring to the upcoming administration, mentioning that among the priorities will be border security and immigration, tariff policy, deregulation and defunding, and legislation. He also remarked that more worksite enforcement will be coming, especially in agriculture. In addition, Richter noted that the Clean Water Act Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for PFAS Manufacturers Under the Organic Chemicals, Plastics and Synthetic Fibers Point Source Category proposed rule is pending until August 2025, as well as emissions modeling for animal agriculture.
Mark Jordan, executive director for LEAP Markets Analytics, provided an economic update. He stated that in the U.S., per capita availability of red meat and poultry is at a record high and climbing. He observed that supplies of animal protein per capita in the U.S. are growing, led by broilers.
Jordan also said that the animal health threat is higher than at any point in recent memory. He indicated that if highly pathogenic avian influenza does not slow down, table egg production could decrease considerably. He also remarked that disease (e.g., avian metapneumovirus) and demand issues have significantly impacted the turkey industry.
As part of her presentation on “Going the Distance: Engaging from Farm to Fork,” Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, president and CEO of International Food Information Council, commented that more than 70% of Americans snack at least once a day and mentioned that “snacking may replace a meal, so this is a good opportunity for animal protein producers.” She also discussed the health benefits of food that are sought out by generation, with Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X looking for energy, while the Boomer generation seeks food for healthy aging.
Further, Reinhardt Kapsak observed that among the purchasing drivers and shopping patterns, taste is the top purchasing driver, followed by price. In addition, she commented that “healthcare professionals and registered dietitians are the most trusted sources for foods to eat and avoid.”
Source: US Poultry & Egg Association
