With this in mind, below are few items to consider:

Meat Demand/Consumer Preferences: This is one of those topics we have been highlighting in our year end review for a number of years. It is always important. We think there has been a shift in the way in which US consumers approach meat protein. Fat is no longer taboo. The industry is no longer trying to eliminate all traces of fat from its products at the detriment of flavor. Recently we noticed some marketing materials from the National Pork Board informing consumers that ‘marbling can improve pork’s flavor and moisture.’ Too bad we need to remind consumers of this but good for the Pork Board for doing so. It’s about time we bring the focus back on flavor. What is important to the consumer today above else appears to be authenticity. And a well marbled, juicy steak speaks for itself. Some new dietary work done also is raising doubts about long held beliefs (dogma?) about the dangers of fat.

Economy/Incomes: The state of the economy directly impacts consumer meat demand. While we saw somewhat softer consumer demand during the first half of 2016, the situation shows signs of improving. Consumer incomes are increasing at a faster pace, unemployment is down to pre‐recession levels, and consumers feel more wealthy thanks to higher home values and equity markets. With a hard fought election battle behind us, we think the consumer also feels a bit more relaxed and willing to return to their normal daily routine. Prices at retail have been slowly adjusting lower and, in time, this should expand protein availability and accessibility for US consumers.

International Trade/US$: Everyone involved in the US meat industry knows that we are heavily dependent on export markets. The United States is a low cost meat producer, with significant natural resources, and is a very reliable supplier. These are all important considerations for global buyers. As incomes in a number of large, populous nations rise, they opt to upgrade their diet to include more protein . Over 20 per cent of all US pork, 16 per cent of all US chicken and 10 per cent of all US beef currently goes to export markets. As US meat supplies are expected to expand further in 2017, we will need all this export demand to remain in place and grow further. Which is why markets tend to react negatively to any indication of export disruptions. The strong US dollar generally is negative for exports but by far the most significant negative impact is from non‐tariff trade barriers. This is a fancy way of saying some nations will look to raise barriers in order to protect special interests within their borders.

Drought/Weather Events: Grain production in the US in the last couple of years has exceeded all expectations. The last USDA projections pegged US corn yields at an all time record 175 bushels per acre and corn production at over 15 billion bushels. Ending stocks are some of the largest of the past decade. There is a lot of corn available for livestock and poultry and feed costs for producers are some of the lowest in years. But Mother Nature holds the cards on this one. The drought monitor currently shows areas in the Southeast are experiencing exceptional drought. So far the Corn Belt has been spared but this is a real risk. Pasture conditions for livestock producers also have been above average the last two years. This has provided the opportunity to retain more heifers and bulk up hay supplies for the winter. It’s all been good and helped bolster cattle supplies. Expanding drought conditions could quickly reverse that, initially pushing more calves onto feedlots (short term bearish) but seƫng the stage for a more bullish beef market in 2018 and 2019.

Productivity/Disease Pressures: Hog producers have benefited from the gains in productivity (more pigs per litter, more farrowings per sow) the last couple of years. Disease pressures have subsided. Will they continue to enjoy similar success in 2017 ? Staying prepared and having a well thought out risk management program in place remains critical. Biosecurity measures were bulked up following the spread of PEDv. This is not a time for complacency. The new FDA rules on antibiotics (VFD) will challenge producers but eventually lead to a healthier industry.