US cattle herd falls to 75-year low, keeping beef prices high
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 11
US cattle herd falls to 75-year low, keeping beef prices high
12 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 11
USDA data show average beef prices rose 16% to $10.08 a pound in March 2026 from $8.70 a year earlier.
Economists say relief could take years because drought cut grasslands, feed costs climbed and rebuilding herds takes several years, with cattle needing about two years to reach market.
The industry is also concentrated, with Tyson, JBS, Cargill and National Beef processing about 85% of grain-fed cattle as a Justice Department antitrust investigation continues.
How is Mexico’s growing meat industry, spurred by a U.S. border closure, permanently changing the price of American beef?
With cattle herds at a historic low, who profits from record beef prices: ranchers or the four packers under federal investigation?