Beef prices soar to record highs with only brief relief expected

DUNDEE, Mich. —

Beef prices across the country are soaring. For the most part, farmers say it's because of drought over the years.

"When the drought happens, the price of hay and feed goes way up. People can't afford to feed their cows, so they start taking cows to the butcher," explained Dundee farmer Bill Picken.

Picken says when cows are taken to the butcher before they can reproduce, it causes a shortage.

"Once the price starts to go up, more farmers want to raise more beef, so they keep more of the young females to have as cows, so they'll have calves in the future," Picken said. "Now, when you're not taking those heifer calves into the processor, it keeps the supply of beef low, which keeps the price high."

At Picken's BP Farms, the increase in prices at the grocery store is