08/29/2026
If we look at inflation adjusted numbers, the all time high price of beef and cattle was in the 1970’s. Although the price of retail beef in 2026 has pretty much reached that high again the price of live cattle(fed cattle ready for slaughter) is about $70-$100/cwt under that all time high.
Although the domestic cow/calf herd has decreased by about 40% since the high prices of the 70’s, the total pounds of domestic cattle slaughtered is basically the same, because the finish size has gone from around 1035 lbs in the late 1960’s to 1460 on 2026. An increase of about 40%.
Even though the size of the animal has increased, the amount the beef cartel pays for that animal is basically the same. In other words, the animal is 400 lbs heavier but the price paid for that animal is the same price per head it was in the 1970’s, adjusted for inflation.
So basically, a cattleman is putting those last 400 lbs of weight on that animal free of charge. The best I can figure this explains why retail beef has matched the all time high but live cattle prices have not.
This is not an economically sustainable business model.
The extra fat/finish on these heavier domestic cattle are being mixed with the lean foreign beef. The import beef mixed with the domestic fat is what makes up for some of the difference in increased consumption because of population growth since the 1970’s
Be good if we had some labeling so we would know what is the source of what is being purchased in the grocery store.
If you don’t want to be part of this system anymore, we can help, you can buy directly from us and know your rancher. We are just a phone call or email away.
