US Edition
‘Perfect Storm’ of Drought, Demand Sends Beef Prices Soaring Ahead of Independence Day
- By July 2025, beef costs reached unprecedented levels as drought conditions, inflation, and a decline in cattle herds across the country tightened supply.
- A decade of drought caused many ranchers, especially in Colorado, to reduce herds, leading to the lowest national beef cow population since the 1960s.
- In Colorado, two pounds of ground beef cost $14.41, which is one dollar higher than the average price across the country, while pork chops also carry a premium compared to prices elsewhere.
- Nathan DeLay explained that a decline in the herd size leads to fewer calves entering the market, which causes prices to increase, while Wesley Tucker described the situation as an ideal combination of supply and demand challenges.
- The high beef prices will likely continue for years as ranchers wait for herds to recover, while consumers face increased costs during peak grilling season.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Trump's Fourth of July hit by second highest cookout costs ever recorded
The average cost for a 10-person Fourth of July will cost $70.92, which is 30 cents less than last summer, but the second highest cookout cost since 2013 when American Farm Bureau Federation began its annual survey on the topic.Beef, canned goods and hand-picked crops have the highest price increase...
Fourth of July cookout costs are 19% higher than in 2019 but less than last year • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Volunteers grill pork chops and ribs at the Iowa State Fairgrounds during the World Pork Expo June 4, 2025. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) The average cost for a 10-person Fourth of July will cost $70.92, which is 30 cents less than last summer, but the second highest cookout cost since 2013 when American Farm Bureau Federation began its annual survey on the topic. Beef, canned goods and hand-picked crops have the highest price inc…
Where’s the Beef on Independence Day? - Liberty Nation News
By John Klar The Fourth of July is a firecracker of a feast, when billows of smoke rise from grills all over the long-liberated nation. Barbecued favorites, especially juicy hamburgers and hot dogs, are always the specials of the day. It’s the prime time to chow down on beef and lift up brews with friends and family. As […]
Grocery Prices and Deals: What shoppers can expect for the Fourth of July
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Fourth of July is almost here, and for many Louisiana families, that means cookouts, coolers, and crowded grocery aisles. At Matherne’s Market in Baton Rouge, co-owner Tony Matherne said they’re seeing a steady stream of holiday shoppers, many of them stocking up early. “Pretty much the same as previous years,” Matherne said. “Burgers and beef prices are up this year.” Despite the rise in meat prices, the…
‘Perfect storm’ of drought, demand sends beef prices soaring ahead of Independence Day
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) As Missouri families fire up their grills for the Fourth of July, many will notice a sting at the checkout counter. Beef prices have surged to record highs, fueled by a "perfect storm" of drought, inflation and shrinking cattle herds — and Missouri farmers are feeling the squeeze. Ground beef prices reached an all-time high of $5.98 per pound in May, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a 49% jump from f…
Colorado beef prices sky high in advance of Fourth of July
The price of meat ahead of the Fourth of July weekend will be higher in Colorado supermarkets than in the rest of the country, according to an annual industry survey. Produced by the American Farm Bureau Federation, an agriculture lobbying group, the survey found that ground beef and pork chops were more expensive — and chicken breasts were cheaper — in Colorado than in other states. State and national economists attribute the surge in beef pric…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Left, 43% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
