AFBF Economist: Summer Grilling Season Expected to Keep Meat Demand Strong

American Farm Bureau economist Bernt Nelson says consumers are still buying meat despite ongoing price pressures.

WASHINGTON (RFD News) — Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer grilling season, bringing stronger seasonal demand for meat products across grocery stores and retailers.

American Farm Bureau economist Bernt Nelson joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the latest factors shaping meat demand and pricing this summer.

In his conversation with RFD News, Nelson discussed the outlook for consumer demand heading into peak grilling season and the major factors influencing prices for beef, pork and chicken.

The discussion also focused on ways consumers may be able to save money as many families continue managing tighter food budgets.

Related Stories
Rising production underscores the importance of marketing discipline and margin protection as milk supplies expand.
Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance shares risk-reduction strategies to help cattle producers prepare for a successful year ahead.
The report shows that, despite production challenges, dairy farmers are producing more milk with fewer resources per gallon across the industry.
Producers across the country balanced winter weather disruptions, shifting export demand, and tightening margins as year-end decisions come into focus.
Reviewing risk management now can help dairy and livestock producers enter 2026 with clearer margins and fewer surprises.
Pork producers warn that proposed definitions of “ultra-processed” food in guidelines from the “Make America Healthy Again” plan could negatively impact industry-standard bacon, sausage, and feed practices.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

University of Wisconsin-Madison’s John Shutske says simple safety habits can help prevent some of agriculture’s most common injuries.
Cattle producers met with lawmakers to discuss the issues continuing to impact ranchers across the country.
Founder Jon Mollhagen says automation continues playing a larger role in reducing labor demands and animal stress.
Commissioner Sid Miller says productive farmland, water resources, and rural infrastructure are increasingly under pressure as data centers continue growing across Texas.
The Meat Institute says meat sales reached a record $112 billion last year as protein demand remained strong nationwide.
National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles says potato wart could have devastating consequences for U.S. growers and export markets.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.