Why Are Beef Prices So High in Louisiana? USDA Investigates Whether Grocery and Meatpacking Companies Are Overcharging Consumers

With beef prices continuing to soar, many Louisiana shoppers are asking if they’re paying more than they should.

Whether it’s stocking up for football tailgates, Sunday BBQs, or planning for holiday meals, families across the state are feeling the pinch at the checkout.

Now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched an investigation to determine if price-gouging by grocery chains and meatpacking companies is contributing to the high cost of beef.

USDA Targets Grocery and Meatpacking Consolidation

The USDA’s investigation focuses on how the consolidation of both grocery chains and the meatpacking industry may be driving up prices. With a few large companies controlling most of the nation’s food supply—from meatpacking to retail—competition has been stifled, and consumers are left paying the price.

The meatpacking industry, dominated by a handful of powerful companies, has come under fire for tight supply control, which can keep beef prices high even when demand is stable. Similarly, large grocery chains have been accused of using their size and dominance to keep prices elevated, limiting the ability of smaller competitors to offer better deals.