WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Beef demand is already starting to rise as summer grilling season approaches, ahead of typical seasonal flows.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economist Michael McConnell discussed the growing appetite for beef, explaining that the latest cattle-on-feed report suggests demand is already evident in the nation’s cattle feedlots.
“Due to the fact that our marketing has been down and placements have been lower, one of the implications I have is that cattle that are in feedlots now are tilted more towards animals that have been on feed for more than 150 days,” McConnell explained.
While consumer demand is high, McConnell says there should not be a shortage of livestock.
“As we come up to that seasonal period where beef comes in higher demand, there will be a fair number of cattle in those feedlots that are ready to come out and be marketed and processed into beef to satisfy the grilling season demand,” McConnell says.
However, tension in the Middle East could cause that trend to shift.
Analysts warn conflicts with Iran could slow U.S. beef demand by driving up inflation, energy, and transportation costs. Rising fuel and food prices are also predicted to lead consumers to choose cheaper proteins in place of higher-priced beef cuts.
