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Why Beef Prices Are Out of Control in the U.S.

Why Beef Prices Are Out of Control in the U.S.

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 The episode offers an in-depth analysis of the unprecedented surge in American beef prices as of December 2025, noting that retail prices have significantly outpaced general food inflation. The core reason for this spike is explained as a confluence of tight supply and resilient consumer demand, driven primarily by the U.S. cattle herd being at its lowest level since the 1950s. Key factors contributing to this scarcity include a multi-year contraction of the cattle cycle, persistent drought forcing ranchers to cull their herds, and soaring input costs such as feed and fuel. Additionally, the source examines structural issues like packer concentration and high domestic demand, concluding that significant price relief is unlikely until the herd can be fully rebuilt, a process potentially lasting until 2027–2028.

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