U.S. cattle inventories are at their lowest point in 73 years, leading to record-high beef prices. Reduced slaughter is expected to limit beef production in the coming months. Tariffs and a ban on cattle shipments from Mexico may impact beef imports. Factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic, drought, and industry consolidation have contributed to declining cattle inventories. Ground beef prices have risen by 16% in a year and 46% in four years. As demand remains steady, cattle prices have surged, leading to record highs. Meatpackers have reduced slaughter, impacting beef production projections for 2026. Beef imports have increased, but import prices have also surged.
Read more at Yahoo Finance: Why U.S. Beef Prices Keep Scaling New Heights