The article highlights the robust demand for beef at retail and foodservice levels, offering an explanation for its current advantage over pork and chicken. It notes that retail prices for beef have been decreasing since hitting record highs in 2021, while pork and chicken prices have been on the rise. The demand for high-quality beef has remained strong, as shown by sales figures at Costco and Walmart. However, the cattle industry is expected to face a challenging 2023 due to tighter supplies, caused by severe drought and high input costs, leading to a decrease in the cattle herd and a significant decline in beef production. In contrast, pork and poultry production is projected to increase, ensuring a varied protein supply for consumers. Additionally, the article touches on the significance of beef exports, particularly to China/Hong Kong, and a slight recovery in pork exports in the later months of 2021, though there has been an overall decline in pork export volumes and values over the year.