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Significantly reduced slaughter levels brought the full weight of the COVID-19 crisis to bear on cattle markets this week as cash cattle prices declined and boxed beef prices spiked to record highs.

While any tally of cattle waiting on shackle space is – at best – an estimate, an analysis of Cattle on Feed and slaughter data suggests estimates of 1 million cattle backlogged may be overstated by as much as 50%.

CoBank estimates meat supplies at grocery stores could shrink nearly 30% by Memorial Day, leading to prices rising by as much as 20%. Some cattle producers say they are barely hanging on due to futures prices.  

Two of America’s largest beef packing companies have announced plant closings due to COVID-19. One in effect until April 20 and one until April 24. The plants have a combined harvest capacity of 6,500 cattle per day.

In testimony before the House Ag Committee, the Meat Institute said the current labor shortage is a significant factor driving U.S. food prices higher.

Cow and bull slaughter for 2021 continues outpacing last year’s totals, and cow processing plants are operating at higher capacity utilization levels than fed cattle plants.

Both beef demand and Certified Angus Beef® brand acceptance rates are at all-time highs, creating a formula for record-setting improvements. Fiscal year 2021 was the brand’s second highest sales year on record.

During the pandemic, everyone had to get more creative on how to reach consumers, says Lucia Ruano, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) representative in Central America and the Dominican Republic.

Plant-based dishes are getting a lot of attention on the menu at the United Nations Climate Change Conference UK 2021. But experts say U.S. livestock producers don’t need to be worried.