US meat prices signal strain in beef, stability elsewhere

In a new report from Market Intel, economists with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) analyzed retail prices of beef, pork and chicken ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

Americans’ demand for meat and poultry products remains strong even as meat and poultry prices are on the rise. According to the Meat Institute, meat sales reached a new record in 2025 at $112 billion, with more than 98% of households purchasing meat for daily meals. That momentum is expected to last, as the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicts consumption of meat and poultry to increase in 2026.

“Beef remains the centerpiece of many cookouts, but record-high prices and historically tight cattle inventories continue to challenge both consumers and producers,” Market Intel stated. “Pork offers relative value and stability, supported by efficient production and strong export markets, even as producers navigate ongoing disease risks. Meanwhile, chicken stands out as the most accessible option, with steady production growth and modest prices helping it maintain its place as America’s most-consumed protein.”

Trouble finding beef balance

According to the USDA, the national average retail price of all-fresh beef reached a record high last month at $9.64 per pound, up 13%, or $1.14 per pound, year-over-year.

Market Intel explained that a key driver behind these higher prices is the lowest US cattle supply in 75 years. The reduced supply follows years of drought and elevated operating costs that have led ranchers to liquidate their herds. More so, the threat of the New World screwworm entering the United States has caused restrictions along the southern border further constraining the domestic cattle supply.

One way producers are looking to fill the gap is by feeding cattle to higher weights. Since June 2025, the average monthly live weight has continued to trend upward. In March 2026, the average monthly live weight of all federally inspected cattle was a record-high 1,475 lbs.

On the other side of the beef price equation is demand, which is poised to climb even higher during the summer grilling months, noted Market Intel.