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
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
The USDA’s latest Hogs and Pigs Report caught some analysts off guard. Inventories came in lower than expected, signaling tighter supplies ahead, even as producers return to profitability this year.
The government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.
Expect firm calf and fed-cattle prices — pair selective heifer retention with prudent hedging and liquidity to bridge rebuilding costs.
The new antitrust agreement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) aims to enforce antitrust laws and monitor market activity across the ag sector.
