Jim Chappelow, ITR Economics

The Animal Slaughtering and Processing Production Index 12-month moving average rose continuously through the first three quarters of 2015 and is up 1.9 percent on a year-over-year basis.

Annual beef production is at an 18-year low, down 5.1% from one year ago.

Pork Production is up 0.7% on an annual average basis, and the industry is in a period of accelerating growth.