Beef Prices Up As Ranching Costs Rise And Herd Sizes Hit Historic Lows

Benzinga

Beef prices jumped nearly 15% in a year as drought, record-low herd size, and soaring rancher costs squeezed supply. With the national herd at its smallest since 1951, experts warn prices may stay high until producers can rebuild.

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00:00It's Benzinga, bringing Wall Street to Main Street.

00:03Beef prices are up 14.7% from September 2024 to September 2025, as record low cattle supply,

00:10drought, and rising rancher input costs push grocery bills higher, according to CNBC.

00:16Ranchers have seen expenses climb more than 50% over five years, leading many to sell cattle

00:21rather than retain heifers for breeding. The national herd is the smallest since 1951,

00:26and high demand, low heifer retention, and weather pressures continue to limit supply.

00:32Omaha Steaks said the cost of beef has climbed enough to pressure its bottom line after holding

00:36prices steady for three years. Experts said rebuilding the herd will take time and could

00:42keep prices elevated in the short term while production adjusts. For all things money, visit Benzinga.com.

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