Meat production is coming back to normal and prices are falling after the initial disruptions of the pandemic, according to federal statistics.
From April to June, livestock production reached 85.5% of what it was during the first quarter, and poultry production was 96%, according to the USDA’s Quarterly Enforcement Report. The first quarter ran January to March, when the pandemic was starting to take hold.
The stabilization in production has been matched by a drop in prices. From June to July, beef prices dropped 8.2%, with roasts and steaks down 8.7%. Pork was down 3.2%, with ham and pork chops down 5.7%. Chicken prices were down 2.6%. That makes up some of the pricing surge seen between April and June
The only type of meat that rose in price was hot dogs, probably in anticipation of the July 4 holiday: They were up 2.4%.
