Beef Crisis: Why Prices Keep Rising | Savannah News

Beef prices are soaring because the U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest since 1950—thanks to years of drought, skyrocketing feed costs, and ranchers shrinking operations. With fewer cows, farmers get more for their animals, but that ripple effect hits your grocery bill. Costs have climbed at every stage—from calves costing over $1,600 to processing fees hitting $1,500 per animal. Farmers also face rising electricity, insurance, and fuel bills while revenue drops. Many are selling half their herds, and older ranchers are retiring without reinvesting. Beef is becoming a luxury for many, with families cutting back to once-a-week meals and swapping steaks for ground turkey or chicken. Prices won’t ease until new heifers are bred—and that takes 3 to 4 years. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5477ca56d3bb057e