Ag Outlook 10-01-2020

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse says one in eight Americans struggle with alcohol. Further, the pandemic appears to be driving consumption higher. Online alcohol sales alone are up 243 percent over last year at this time according to a Nielsen survey. Heightened stress levels along with lessened social interaction are being blamed for much of the increase in use of alcohol as a misguided coping mechanism. On a much more positive note, the Food Industry Association’s mid-year report has been tracking consumer buying habits since COVID struck late last winter. The report shows meat sales almost doubled in the first weeks of the pandemic over 2019. While consumers stocked their freezers they also brought home prepared meat-based meals at a faster rate. No doubt about it – studies continue to show how COVID-19 affects every aspect of today’s life.