Cattle shortages affecting beef prices at meat markets

You might notice some of those prices rising in the meat market. One business is dealing with a buildup of meat orders from their customers and it’s forcing them to push back some of their orders until January.

Geiss Meat Market in Merrill has been dealing with a backlog of orders. Owner Andy Geiss says one reason for that is because of the cattle shortage across the country.

“Where customers normally would bring in 10 or 15 beef for harvest. They are only bringing in seven or eight,” said Geiss.

If you are looking to order a side of beef directly from them, you will have to wait until mid-January.

“If you want hamburgers or burgers, or patties or hot dogs, any of that kind of stuff, we have all that in the store. It’s just if you’re looking for a side of beef right now,” Geiss explained.

If you were hoping for the price of meat to start going down sometime soon, do not hold your breath.

“I’m assuming that in 12 months from now when these animals are being shipped, are gonna be ready for harvest, the price is just gonna continue to go up,” Geiss said.

“I don’t think you’re gonna see it in the foreseeable future. Because if there’s not a supply of beef, beef is, especially beef, it takes a long time to replenish the herds,” Townline Market Owner David Jagler said.

Townline is also dealing with rising prices. A recent report from the Farm Bureau shows beef rates have hit a record high of over $8.15 per pound. It is impacting producers and consumers.

“Right now, we’re finding that some of the cheaper cuts that we use for hamburger, things like that, are rising, so hamburger prices are rising,” Jagler said.

Although these meat markets are dealing with some of these shortages, both owners say it has not really affected their sales. However, it’s still something they have been keeping track of to keep their business flowing.