“We forgot to understand that what we are really dealing with here is the integrity and the perception of the food consumers eat, especially in the area of animal protein,” said Jerome Lyman, a former vice president at McDonald’s Corp.

The 2016 meat forecast is raised as higher pork, broiler, and turkey production more than offsets lower forecast beef production. Forecast 2016 milk production is reduced from last month.

U.S. pork exports continued to gain momentum in November while beef exports also showed signs of a rebound, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Some Americans may not have to cut back on eggs and salt as much as they once thought and eating lean meat is still OK. But watch the added sugars, especially the sugary drinks.

In the Cattle Markets is normally devoted to cattle market analysis, but this report holds some important information on competing meats for the coming year.

This past year won’t be remembered for record-high prices, but 2015 certainly taught beef producers a few lessons.