Beef prices surge 20% as screwworm outbreak, drought, and USMCA trade threats converge on already-shrinking U.S. cattle herd
By
The Conversation
Summary
Beef prices have surged 20% since early 2025 due to multiple converging factors: a screwworm parasite outbreak in Mexican cattle that has spread to the U.S., severe drought reducing the U.S. cattle herd to its lowest level since the 1950s, and potential trade disruptions from Trump's USMCA renegotiation threat. The combination of supply constraints and trade policy uncertainty could make higher beef prices permanent, impacting consumers already facing inflation.
Source
bskyBeef prices surge 20% as screwworm outbreak, drought, and USMCA trade threats converge on already-shrinking U.S. cattle herdfortune.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledIt's summer grilling season, but for many Americans, surging prices mean beef is no longer what's for dinner.
The cost of beef, having spiked since early 2025, is coming under even more pressure.
The U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest point since the 1950s.
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