Beef is getting harder for Americans to afford, and there is little sign of relief ahead. Ground beef averaged $6.70 a pound in March, up nearly 16% from a year ago, while beef steaks were also up 16%. Economists say the main problem is that U.S. cattle herds have fallen to their lowest levels since the 1960s after years of drought, high feed costs, and herd reductions. USDA is now forecasting beef prices could climb more than 10% in 2026, and possibly as much as 18%, with higher diesel costs from the Iran war adding even more pressure to transportation and production costs.
Why This Matters:
This is what long-term strain on the food system looks like. Supply gets tighter, costs keep climbing, and families end up paying more for a staple protein they rely on. Beef is already expensive, and the pressure behind it is not easing. The families who build their food supply before prices climb even higher are the ones in a stronger position when those increases hit.
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Source: CBS News
By: Mary Cunningham
