Overview
- Trump said a deal to cut beef prices is near and will lower costs "pretty soon," but he offered no specifics.
- Industry groups sought details on the proposal as the USDA readies herd-revival steps, and ranchers say beef output typically takes about two years to respond.
- Beef costs hit records, with ground beef averaging about $6.31 per pound in August, roughly 14% higher than a year earlier, government data show.
- Supplies are tight after drought shrank the U.S. herd to its smallest for the period since 1951, while a halt to Mexican livestock imports and tariffs curbing Brazilian beef reduced inputs for hamburger meat.
- Feeder cattle futures fell the daily limit on Friday on unconfirmed talk of a South American beef deal following White House meetings, reflecting trader bets on potential import relief.