A protein shortfall in this year U.S. soybean crop has forced processors to cut the amount of the nutrient, prompting concerns that animal feed costs and meat prices could rise. Adverse crop weather this summer likely dragged down the protein content of soybeans, prompting concern that the soymeal produced at crushing facilities will be light on protein and other key nutrients. High-protein soymeal that typically is sold with 47.5 to 48 percent protein is being offered at 46.5 or 47 percent instead.