This paper focuses on the nature of dynamic adjustment in monthly consumer demands for beef, pork, and chicken. Estimates with monthly data can differ from those with longer data periods. This is because habit formation relative to inventory adjustment decreases as the time interval decreases (Sexauer). With short time periods such as a month, inventory demand tends to dominate demand for use. If inventory demand is more elastic in the short run, the total elasticity of demand can increase as the time interval is shortened. As shown by Pasour and Schrimper, the relative importance of inventory demand with respect to the length of the adjustment period is an empirical question, and its importance can vary from commodity to commodity. This paper presents estimates of monthly consumer demands for meats and examines the role of inventories ans habits on the estimated short-run demand elasticities.

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