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Story summary
- Ground beef prices hit a record $6.32 per pound in August 2025, up from $5.74 the previous year, due to high demand and limited cattle supply.
- The U.S. beef cattle herd is at its lowest in 75 years, influenced by drought and low rancher profitability.
- Consumers are turning to alternative proteins like pork and chicken as retail beef prices rise 24.9% year-on-year, causing a 7.5% drop in sales volumes.
- Ranchers are reluctant to expand herds amid high operational costs and market volatility, yet consumer spending on beef has increased since COVID-19.
