Overview

• In July ground beef prices climbed to about $9 per pound in Boston, with the national average reaching $9.26.
• As of Jan. 1, U.S. cattle inventories included 27.9 million beef cows, the lowest level in 74 years after drought and high feed costs reduced herds.
• U.S. officials paused cattle imports from Mexico in July after detecting a New World screwworm case to protect domestic herds.
• Trade measures impose 10 percent tariffs on beef from New Zealand and Australia and 50 percent duties on Brazilian meat, constraining more than 4.1 billion pounds of annual imports.
• The USDA forecasts that beef prices will continue climbing through 2026 and analysts warn that prolonged high costs could weaken consumer demand and hinder herd rebuilding.