May is “Beef Month,” and with Memorial Day approaching — it’s also the start of the summer grilling season — but the coronavirus pandemic has put a damper on things.
Cattle feeder Craig Anderson of rural Merrill says the slowdown in production at plants has led to a glut of supply and lower prices.
OC….A POUND :18
He says the drop in the prices paid for cattle comes at a time when demand is up among consumers.
OC….SKYROCKETED :12
Anderson says the sale of the prime cuts is really hurt by the slow down in processing and the cut back in the operation of restaurants.
OC….STEAK :06
He says those the prime cuts are now probably ended up in homes in a different form.
OC….BASIS :11
Anderson estimates the cattle industry is running between 30 and 40 days behind in having cattle marketed on a current basis.
He says during that time, cattle may gain around three to four pounds a day, which will add around another 100 to 150 pounds to their market weight.
