Lusk: Focus On Future When Looking at Supply Chain Issues

According to Jayson Lusk, past history in the cattle sector indicates there are long lives and ripple effects in cattle markets. The Perdue University Economist says that  prompted him to suggest to a recent house Ag subcommittee studying disruption threats to the nation's beef supply chain.

"Don't overly focus on what is happening today but make policies for the future."

Lusk said he sees a challenges the beef supply chain faces going forward: expansion of packing capability and the costs associated with it beyond construction.

"Other barriers that limit new entrants include labor availability, and costs of complying with regulations related to labor, food safety, zoning, transportation and more."

Also improving price levels and price discovery methods and expanding market opportunities for producers of all sizes.

"Examples include improving trade relations, allow products to flow to consumers who value them most, and investments in research and innovation that improve demand or improve productivity."

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