Challenges brought on by COVID-19 will hasten automation throughout supply.

Flexibility remains critical for animal protein industry, as foodservice sales not likely to reach pre-pandemic levels before mid-2022.

COVID-19 vaccine brings optimism for a brighter and more prosperous year ahead, but significant economic recovery unlikely before mid-year.

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.

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.

Rural businesses will be challenged as Coronavirus cases in rural areas are now among the highest on a population-weighted basis.

Current processing capacity reduction has longer-term implications for producers, retailers and shoppers.

If beef strategy proven successful, more significant investments, vertical integration and market entrants may follow.

Challenges remain in the forecast for rural economies.