Farmer groups aiming to avoid disrupting the meat supply during the COVID-19 pandemic. And conversations continue with packing plants and government officials as part of a strategy to keep grocery meat cases stocked says Illinois Beef Association Executive Vice President Jill Johnson.

Increased retail demand for meat has offset drops in the number of people eating out due to statewide restaurant closures. In fact, grocery stores sell out as quickly as they can refill meat cases. High demand isn’t necessarily translating to higher income for farmers, though. In fact, doubts cast by the coronavirus outbreak have weighed down the prices farmers receive. Market prices for both hogs and cattle are down at least 30% since the beginning of the year.