Adding to the supply crunch is that many ranchers are leaving the business and selling off land, Daria said, reducing the supply of cattle while demand remains high.
BOERNE, Texas — Shoppers may have noticed rising prices in the meat aisle, and the latest data confirms the trend is not letting up.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price of ground beef has climbed to more than $6 per pound, a 12% increase from this time last year.
The cost of steaks has also jumped up 8% year over year.
Joe Daria, owner of the Bergheim Meat Market in Boerne, said the price hikes are part of what he calls a “perfect storm” in the industry.
“Nationwide cattle prices are through the roof at the barns, which means at your local auction barns and feedlots,” Daria said. “This is the highest in history they’ve ever seen cattle prices. It’s unheard of.”
Daria, who has worked in the meat industry for more than 40 years, said rising prices aren’t just about cattle. The cost of raising, feeding and processing livestock has also increased, putting pressure on ranchers and driving up consumer prices across the board.
“We’re hearing from suppliers — this is nationwide. It’s not just regional,” he said. “This is going to be a very long-term effect. We don’t see any help in sight.”
He added that prices for other proteins like pork, chicken and fish are also trending upward, following the trajectory of beef.
Another factor contributing to the supply crunch is that many ranchers are leaving the business and selling off land, Daria said, reducing the supply of cattle while demand remains high.
“You’ve got a lot of people who want to eat a lot of food, and you have less land to grow them on,” he said.
Daria doesn’t expect prices to come down anytime soon. While he believes they may eventually stabilize, he predicts elevated prices could persist for another one to three years.
At Bergheim Meat Market, Daria said his team is working to adapt, sourcing the best possible products at fair value for their customers. He advises shoppers, especially families on a budget, to be mindful and strategic about their purchases.
“Prioritize your needs,” he said. “We’ve seen prices go up and down before. Right now, we’re just going to ride the wave and make it work.”