07 Dec 2025
US Beef Prices Climb as Cattle Numbers Hit Record Low
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Consumers in the United States are feeling the pinch at the meat counter as beef prices continue to surge, driven by the smallest national cattle herd since 1951.
The latest data reveals a 14.7% increase in the price of beef and veal over the past year, a figure that far outpaces the overall food inflation rate.
The primary cause of the price hike is a significant contraction in the US cattle herd, which has been exacerbated by several years of severe drought in key ranching states. These dry conditions have increased feed costs and discouraged producers from retaining female cattle for breeding, leading to a tighter supply of animals entering the market.
Adding to the pressure are high input costs for farmers and ranchers, which have risen by more than 50% over the last five years. While the US has been producing larger cattle, the overall reduction in herd size is the dominant factor influencing prices. The situation highlights the long and complex cycle of beef production and its vulnerability to environmental and economic pressures.
Source: CNBC
Published: 7 December 2025 Original story