Soaring US beef prices likely to rise further thanks to trade tensions and disease outbreaks
Ranchers, packers and restaurants face higher costs as imports fall more than 80% and beef prices hit record highs, economists said.
- On June 16-17, U.S. and Mexican trade negotiators met to discuss the 2020 trade pact binding North America, while President Donald Trump warned Washington may withdraw from the agreement if not renewed by July 1.
- Texas ranchers face a 'perfect storm' of challenges including widespread drought and devastating wildfires, compounded by a screwworm outbreak that caused young cattle imports from Mexico to collapse by more than 80%.
- Skeeter Miller, president of The County Line, reports raw brisket costs have risen significantly, shrinking profit margins to about 2% despite menu price increases that have pushed a half-pound order to about $16.
- Meatpackers are also struggling, with Trevor Caviness of Caviness Beef Packers noting the 'Big Four' companies face record losses, prompting plant closures and job eliminations including 3,200 jobs lost when Tyson Foods shuttered a Nebraska facility in January.
- Should the U.S. exit the 2020 agreement, trade would revert to basic international rules, potentially allowing Mexico and Canada to impose tariffs that would further raise costs for producers, processors and consumers already struggling with 12.9% beef price increases.
56 Articles
56 Articles
Impacts of screwworm on NY beef industry
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- There are now 12 confirmed cases of the flesh-eating parasite known as the New World screwworm across the country, including 11 in Texas and one in New Mexico. The fly attacks livestock, wildlife and pets and could turn fatal if left untreated. According to officials, it could cost billions of dollars [...]
The Conversation
Soaring US beef prices likely to rise further thanks to trade tensions and disease outbreaks
The U.S.-Mexico beef market has taken a massive hit from the screwworm parasite, which has spread from Mexico to Texas and New Mexico. AP Photo/Isabel Mateos, fileIt’s summer grilling season, but for many Americans, surging prices mean beef is no longer what’s for dinner. The cost of beef, having spiked since early 2025, is coming under even more pressure. The most recent is the screwworm outbreak that hit cattle in Mexico and has now spread to …
No fat to trim: Texas beef industry profits eaten away by new threat — the screwworm
James Henderson was a teenager in 1971 when he had to treat animals for a type of white maggot that ate livestock from the inside out the New World screwworm.Its a horrible parasite, and it will eat that flesh very quickly, said Henderson, who operates the Bradley 3 Ranch near Memphis in the Texas Panhandle. From the time that adult fly lays its eggs until you have an animal that probably needs to be destroyed can be as little as 72 hours.Hender…
Soaring U.S. Beef Prices Might Make Summer BBQs More Expensive
It’s summer grilling season, but for many Americans, surging prices mean beef is no longer what’s for dinner. The cost of beef, having spiked since early 2025, is coming under even more pressure. The most recent is the screwworm outbreak that hit cattle in Mexico and has now spread to the United States, where the cattle herd has already fallen to levels not seen since the 1950s, due in part to drought. Meanwhile, potential trade disruptions loom…
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