Beef prices hit record highs in April 2026, and that is in large part due to robust consumer demand.  Despite economic pressures on consumers, there is not much evidence of consumers trading down from beef.  Much of that was due to the COVID pandemic when consumers learned new ways to cook and consume beef. That demand came on top of disrupted supply chains and stimulus payments made to individuals increasing per capita spending, which was largely spent on beef.  The data show that beef continues to gain on other proteins.   We are currently two months or more into the effects of an Iran war that has spiked gasoline prices and something has to give.  When the data from the last 60 or so days comes in, it is pos...