Tectonic shift or high tide for the beef industry?
Record high beef prices, increasing demand for quality protein, decreased herd size…… are we seeing a tectonic shift for the beef industry, or is this a cyclical high tide that while welcome, is only temporary? This is best addressed by looking at the current prices relative to longer term prices in real terms (with inflation removed), which is shown in the below graph. Two major points can be seen here; there is an obvious cycle in the prices, and we are currently at a high point in the cycle, the current prices are not significantly higher than they were in 2001, This doesn’t mean prices won’t continue rising; what prices will do in the short term is anyone’s guess. However the cyclical nature of commodity prices is pervasive and high…