Beef Demand Sizzles into Summer—but Will It Last?

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial kick-off to summer—and grilling season—which traditionally gives a boost to demand for all types of animal protein, especially beef. And despite record-high prices, consumer appetite for beef has remained strong.

But with economic uncertainty simmering, some are asking—how long can this strong demand hold?

According to the latest Market Intel from the American Farm Bureau, there are signs worth watching. One key indicator? The narrowing gap between Choice and Select grade beef. Typically, when demand is high, folks are willing to pay more for those premium Choice cuts, widening that price spread. But between May 1 and May 16, that difference shrank from nearly $19 to just over $10 per hundredweight.

Interestingly, Select beef prices rose 5.6% in that time—outpacing the 2.7% increase in Choice. That suggests this narrowing spread may have more to do with limited Select supplies than consumers tightening their belts.

So as grills fire up across the country, it looks like beef is still on the menu—but it’s worth keeping an eye on the price signals.