If you’ve tried to do any shopping lately, you’ve probably noticed a distinct shortage of… everything. Want to redo your kitchen cabinetry or buy a front door? Good luck, those things are all on back order. Need a headstone for a recently departed loved one? There’s a shortage of materials there, so expect a delay. Do you want to buy your kid a pack of baseball cards? Better go online, because you probably won’t find them at a retail store. Over the summer, I’ve seen various restaurants have to limit their menus because of shortages in brisket, chicken and potatoes. I was at a ballgame and couldn’t buy a funnel cake because of a national shortage. A funnel cake!
The COVID pandemic has knocked the system of supply and demand completely out of whack. Things that used to be readily available are now permanently in-demand. As meat industry professionals, you’ve undoubtedly seen this for yourself if you’ve tried to buy your usual spice blends, packaging materials or new equipment. Raw materials are no exception. Meat plants can only produce as much as the number of employees allow them to produce. If there are fewer workers, there will be less product for further processors.