Why is beef and other meat so expensive right now?

Beef prices in the U.S. are surging. Federal data shows the average price of a pound of 100% ground beef is at a record high, due to a combination of climate factors, high input costs and limited supplies.

The beef industry is battling multiple challenges: a prolonged drought across key cattle states, record‑high feed costs and the smallest U.S. cattle herd in 75 years. All have contributed to the record prices consumers are paying in grocery stores.

Tighter supplies are pushing up the cost of lean and ground beef, which are the types most commonly imported in the U.S. High tariffs on Brazilian beef imports and restrictions on Mexican beef imports tied to screwworm concerns are also driving prices higher.

In an October 22 social media message , President Trump credited those tariff