Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist — Barring a major setback, it appears that beef markets are moving past the worst of the disruptions that have caused upheaval is recent weeks. Beef markets were thrown into turmoil in March as food service markets were sharply curtailed and beef demand focused on retail grocery. This caused bottlenecks in supply chains and an initial wave of disruptions in product flows. Beginning in early April, COVID-19 began to impact workforces in many packing plants causing plant closures and reduced slaughter rates. Cattle slaughter and beef production decreased on a…
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