Livestock producers will face more feed cost inflation next year than they have in a decade, challenging their ability to recover from a difficult, volatile 2020.

Last year saw an almost-record crop and 2014 is on schedule to be even better. U.S. farmers become more efficient every year at increasing yield per acre.

Producing animals that more efficiently direct dietary energy toward growth and performance is one answer to the problem of feed expense.

The CEO of Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. said that the company does not expect any liquidity problems this year.