Demand for meat, and beef in particular continues to be influenced heavily by the pandemic.
Glynn Tonsor, K-State Livestock Economist, says that despite the pandemic, this holiday season might bring positive numbers for beef demand. He says that a recent survey showed that 38% of people say they will spend less time with family and friends this holiday, but only 26% say they will spend less money on meat for the celebration.
“I think there are some people that upgrading towards boneless pork loin, if that’s their thing, or in this case, maybe a ribeye item or prime rib,” Tonsor says. “That is good, I hope that continues. I think it might. So that is a ray of sunshine in the story, and I think it will continue through the Christmas season.”
Tonsor adds that the USDA meat demand numbers are looking good overall. He says that from September to October, all fresh domestic beef demand was up about 2% and pork was up 12%.
“So on the domestic front, we entered the phases of the shutdowns and tightening of activities in a good space on domestic demand,” says Tonsor.
Tonsor says that not only are numbers rising from month to month, but says that October 2020 beef demand was up 6% compared to October of 2019.
