Beef and Cattle Industry

U.S. grocery beef prices have climbed in recent months as a shrinking domestic cattle herd and inflationary pressure tied to the Iran war push costs higher for ranchers and retailers. Producers and meat sellers point to a long-term decline in cattle numbers—now at their lowest level in roughly 70 to 75 years—alongside rising fuel and shipping costs that have increased the price of feeding, moving and processing animals. Retailers in states such as Montana say the domestic shortage is the primary driver, while higher energy and transportation costs from geopolitical tensions add upward pressure.