US beef prices rise 14% as supply constraints squeeze consumers

U.S. retail beef prices climbed approximately 14 to 15 percent over the preceding year by September 2025, driven by cattle herd liquidation following drought conditions in key ranching states and sustained post-pandemic consumer demand. The U.S. cattle herd had fallen to its smallest size in decades, reducing domestic supply. The price increases drew political attention as the Trump administration sought ways to reduce grocery costs, which had become a prominent consumer complaint.