Measuring Efficiency in the Beef-Pork Sector by Price Analysis

The price structure of the beef-pork sector from the retail level back to the primary production level is evaluated in order to identify areas of inefficient performance. Results indicated efficient pricing performance between the slaughter and the retail levels. Results between the ranch and feedlot levels indicated a weak and distorted price structure. This appeared to be due to the inability of the price system to serve both as a mechanism of trade and as a signal for the organization and timing of future production.