After a 1.74% gain in 2023 and a 19.01% increase in Q1 2024, the animal protein sector edged only 0.66% higher in Q2 as cattle futures posted gains and lean hog futures declined. The peak grilling season runs from late May through early September when the demand for meats rises to annual highs as grills work overtime. Meanwhile, cattle futures have been in bullish trends since the 2020 pandemic-inspired lows, while hog futures have been choppy, reflecting seasonal factors. The continuous live and feeder cattle contracts reached record highs in Q2, while hogs only briefly traded above the $1 pe…