Steady meat prices may be altered by screwworm threat

The Texas A&M University Food Price Predictor: Summer 2025 Meat Prices predicted modest declines in beef prices, thanks to stable feed and fuel costs, as well as more efficient cattle processing.

However, lead author Simon Somogyi, Ph.D., Dr. Kerry Litzenberg Sales and Economics Endowed Chair, said rising concerns about the New World screwworm are tightening cattle supplies further and leading to unexpected price spikes.

Despite the estimated setback for beef, prices for pork and poultry remain relatively flat. Pork chops could rise slightly by up to 3.6%, while boneless skinless chicken breast may increase just over 1%, according to AgriLife.

Simon Somogyi, Ph.D, said that with the screwworm concerns, any potential production issues that might raise prices in the future will have to work their way through the meat production supply chain before being felt by consumers.

“There’s always a lag between production issues and what we see at the grocery store.

The impact of the screwworm on meat counter prices at the grocery store will take some time, and we are still confident about our predictions for the grilling season.”

Simon Somogyi, Ph.D