Beef prices have reached historic highs, and shoppers are starting to resist. The US beef cattle herd is at its smallest in 75 years, partly due to drought, which has kept demand strong despite the shortage. Foreign imports like Brazilian beef face a 76% tariff, while fears of the screwworm parasite have led the USDA to block livestock from Mexico.
Ranching can be a break-even or money-losing business, but not now. A “perfect storm” of competition and lack of cattle has driven prices to record levels. Many producers are selling their heifers for meat rather than breeding them, making it less profitable to expand the herd.
Restaurants and stores are passing on the increased costs, with some even raising prices by as much as 30%. Consumers are starting to question their loyalty to beef, and research shows that spending on ground beef has plateaued. BBQ chains like County Line are feeling the pinch, with visits down by about 5% due to high prices.
The shortage is expected to last for a while, making record-high prices a temporary relief for consumers.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/09/18/nx-s1-5534424/beef-prices-record-high-cost