April 28, 2020

Update on the Livestock and Meat Situation

Pork and beef packing plant shutdowns along with reductions in demand from the hotel, restaurant, and institutional sector have disrupted U.S. meat and livestock markets. Purdue ag economists Jayson Lusk and James Mintert review the resulting dramatic shifts in pork and beef production along with the impact these shifts have had on U.S. wholesale beef and pork prices as well as prices for cattle and hogs.

Slides used during the presentation are also available for download. Find this discussion in a convenient audio format on our newest podcast, Purdue Commercial AgCast.

__________

Episode #1, Purdue Commercial AgCast Podcast

TAGS:

TEAM LINKS:

RELATED RESOURCES

Impact of Higher Corn Prices on Swine Finishing Feed Costs

September 17, 2026

Higher corn prices are putting upward pressure on swine finishing feed costs. Purdue agricultural economist Michael Langemeier examines feed cost trends and shows how changes in corn and soybean meal prices could affect feed costs through 2027.

Why High Cattle Prices Don’t Guarantee Profits

August 20, 2026

Fed cattle prices are near record highs, but cattle finishing margins could remain under pressure through the rest of 2026 and into 2027. Michael Langemeier explains what’s driving the squeeze, from feeder cattle prices and feeding costs to historically high breakeven prices.

Comparison of Long-Run Rates of Return for Crop and Livestock Farms

August 13, 2026

Have crop farms or livestock farms generated better long-run returns? Michael Langemeier compares rates of return for beef, dairy, diversified, and crop farms from 2007–2025, revealing why recent livestock price strength hasn’t translated into a clear long-run advantage.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Weathering Water Extremes: Connecting Soil Health, Drainage, Irrigation, and Farm Resilience

Join educators from across the Midwest to build skills for communicating soil health concepts on Nov. 4-5, 2026. In the field, we’ll evaluate the relationship between soil health and water management focusing on irrigation and edge of field practices. The in-service will have both classroom and on farm demonstrations.

Land of Opportunity: A Conference for Farmland Owners!

The Land of Opportunity: A Conference for Farmland Owners will be held at two locations on October 5 and October 6, providing farmland owners with valuable information and resources to help them make informed decisions about their land. The conference will feature keynote presentations, educational breakout sessions, and networking opportunities designed specifically for those who own, manage, or have an interest in farmland.