Our morning two general session featured several economists including Steve Meyer, President, Paragon Economics. I talked with him afterward to get a few of his thoughts on how things are looking for the meat industry.

The number one item is weather. Of course Steve says that’s harder to predict than the markets! Steve says we’re on such a tight supply situation with grains, soybeans and hay that what happens this spring with the weather is key. A normal weather pattern would be nice and he says we’re all assuming that because you have to assume something. He says that if we do have normal weather and a crop then we’ll see some growth in chicken production and a slight growth in hog production. Cattle are another matter and have a rather long turn around time.

Listen in to my interview with Steve to hear more of his thoughts on the economic outlook including factors like supply, demand, pricing and effect of exports here: Interview with Steve Meyer

2013 Annual Meat Conference Photo Album