As spring unfolds here in our beautiful Sugar Valley, we are excited to bring you another edition of the Nicholas Meat Quarterly. In this edition, we explore the factors influencing strong beef demand here in the United States as well as what the new dietary guidelines have to say about meat.  We also have a new in-house Sales Team that we’d like you to meet! 

Beef Demand Remains Strong

The demand for beef continues to remain strong in 2026. Market conditions like tight cattle supplies matched with record-setting beef demand are impacting the beef market as producers work to feed consumers the protein they demand. 

“The U.S. cattle and beef industry enters 2026 with strong but volatile market conditions, as historically tight cattle supplies, record-setting beef demand, and elevated policy and weather uncertainty continue to support prices, even as markets appear to near cyclical highs,” said Mike Murphy, CattleFax chief operating officer.  

Historically, chicken has been the protein of choice for U.S. consumers with 83% eating chicken weekly. However, beef is a close second with nearly three quarters of U.S. consumers – or 71% – consuming beef weekly. Additionally, over one-third of consumers say that beef is their top protein of choice! 

Read more about beef demand in 2026. Other stories in the Spring Nicholas Meat Quarterly include: 

• New Dietary Guidelines: Eat Real Food 
• Meat Our People: Meet the New Sales Team 
• Recipe: Corned Beef Hash 

Meet the New Sales Team

At Nicholas Meat, we take pride in providing high-quality beef products you can trust. Our commitment to quality and excellence begins with the cattle we source and continues through every step of our modern, state-of-the-art production process. This commitment led to the decision to establish a sales team in-house at Nicholas Meat.  We are excited to introduce these team members to the community and customers. Get to know more about the members of our new in-house sales team.