U.S. cattle and hog futures are expected to hit record highs this year, a Reuters Polls showed, setting the stage for less meat on the dining table.
The expected higher prices could make it harder for many countries to tamp down surging inflation and calm citizens angered by record high food prices. Already, there have been riots and protests in some North African countries.
Grain prices have been forecast to remain stubbornly high as well this year, with two straight years of high prices seen as the latest sign in the end of cheap food.
"There is going to be less meat per person in 2011, quite a bit less," said Ron Plain, an University of Missouri agricultural economist. "That should push up prices."
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