More good news from the impact of the coronavirus. Meat processing and packing plants for poultry and beef may begin closures.

If you are a meat our poultry consumer you’re going to see a steady rise in pricing. Following those price increases you’ll see shortages in your grocers’ fresh meat and poultry sections.

Pork processors are also experiencing coronavirus issues with their team members. Americans love bacon and pork, too.

As some of our 50 states, the District of Columbia, and our four territories look to begin opening up as early as May, the full impacts on the food processing plants is not known.

Ranchers across America produce the best and safest beef in the world. “Beef — it’s what’s for dinner,” says Actor Sam Elliott in his voice-over advertising.

Ranchers will be faced with abundant supplies of cattle and no place to process their products. The same can be said of our poultry products. They are the highest quality and the safest.  We don’t just feed Americans with our beef as ranchers also export around the globe.

A reduced beef and poultry supply means higher prices — while supplies last in your favorite grocery stores. Your drive-thru and drive-up restaurants or fast-food places will also be impacted. Mc Donald’s, Carl’s Jr., Arby’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Taco Bell. Your locally owned mom and pop drive-thrus are also impacted.

The United States Department of Food and Agriculture and its inspectors are responsible for inspection of the processing plants. Federal standards are tough for a good reason. We simply cannot permit the spread of infectious disease through our meat and poultry.

While it is too soon to know the extent of the problem at our nation’s processing plants it is important that the USDA acts decisively when it comes to protecting our meats and poultry.

Today may be a good time to take an “essential “ trip to your grocery store. Get your bacon, steaks, hamburger, carne asada, chicken breasts, and maybe a frozen turkey.

While it isn’t as tough to find beef or chicken now as it is Lysol spray, hand  sanitizer, toilet paper, and wipes, it might be. When you head to the store in “mission-essential “ mode make sure you have your mask on. Also make sure you have your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and hand sanitizer.

If you live in Minnesota, we recommend you use Amazon and sign up for Amazon Prime. Your governor could declare meat and poultry nonessential.

Image Sources

  • Barbecue beef: Pixaby