# Why beef is so expensive now (and shoppers are finally saying no) : NPR

> U.S. ground beef prices are up 51% since February 2020, and the U.S. beef herd is the smallest in about 75 years. USDA forecasts beef production falling 4% this year and 2% in 2026. Brazilian beef faces a 76% tariff, and screwworm concerns have kept Mexican cattle out.

- Date: 2025-09-18 · published 2025-09-18T12:00:00.000Z
- Category: market · region US · magnitude low
- Page: https://feedsoft.ai/events/22807-why-beef-is-so-expensive-now-and-shoppers-are-finally-saying-no-npr
- Commodities: [Live Cattle](https://feedsoft.ai/c/LCATTLE.md), [Feeder Cattle](https://feedsoft.ai/c/FCATTLE.md)

## Why it matters

Shrinking herd numbers and reduced imports keep cattle prices elevated, while demand resistance at retail could eventually cap how far prices rise.

## Read by commodity

- FCATTLE: bullish ▲
- LCATTLE: bullish ▲

## Sources

- www-s1.npr.org: https://www-s1.npr.org/2025/09/18/nx-s1-5534424/beef-prices-record-high-cost

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Data from Feedsoft AI (https://feedsoft.ai/). For information only; not investment advice.