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Low price of beef could bring change to many Christmas meal plans

Ag/Outdoor, News

December 1st, 2016 by Ric Hanson

After a few down years, pork and beef production are doing much better this year. In one recent week, the two meats together reached an all-time production high. That pushes prices down. Iowa State University livestock economist Lee Schulz says the various meats are always competing for consumer food dollars. This holiday season, beef may have an edge over Christmas hams or turkeys.

“That doesn’t mean that we’re going to steal all the competition from those, but I think with lower prices for beef, you’re seeing them able to compete a little bit more with those traditional proteins for each holiday,” Schulz said. He suggests more families may choose prime rib for their big Christmas meal. “Now with lower beef prices, you are starting to see some more advertising in the form of rib roast…I think retailers do believe they can compete with some of those more traditional dishes,” Schulz said.

Low prices aren’t good news for Iowa farmers and ranchers. But, Schulz says producers remain optimistic – especially on the pork side – as Iowa prepares for two new slaughterhouses to come on line.

(Reporting by Amy Mayer, Iowa Public Radio)