Americans consume enormous amounts of animal protein every week, but the forces driving demand, pricing, and profitability are often misunderstood. In this episode of The Business of Agriculture, Damian Mason sits down with animal protein analyst Michael DiSabato, founder of Highline Consulting Group, to examine the economic realities shaping the U.S. beef, pork, and poultry industries.

Despite record-high beef prices, consumers have not significantly traded down. Plant-based meat alternatives failed to capture the market share many expected, while protein-focused snacks such as jerky, bars, and shakes continue creating new consumption opportunities. Michael explains why beef demand remains strong, what the K-shaped economy means for premium meat consumption, and why cattle prices may remain elevated for years.

The conversation also explores surprising developments in poultry markets, including the growing value of chicken thigh meat, challenges facing the pork industry, evolving consumer preferences, and the demographic trend that could become the biggest long-term threat to protein demand.

If you want to understand the future of meat consumption, livestock markets, animal agriculture profitability, beef prices, pork demand, poultry economics, and protein consumption trends, this data-driven discussion delivers valuable insights for agribusiness professionals, producers, investors, and anyone involved in the food supply chain.

The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is brought to you by:
- Ag View Solutions | https://www.agviewsolutions.com/
- Tidal Grow Agriscience | https://www.tidalgrowag.com/
- Nano-Yield | https://www.nano-yield.com/
- Life Scientific | https://www.lifescientific.com/en/north-america