Beef Prices Expected to Keep Rising in 2026

Beef prices are expected to continue climbing in the coming year as tight cattle supplies in the United States and abroad strain the global market, analysts said. U.S. cattle inventories remain near multi-decade lows following years of drought that forced ranchers to shrink herds. At the same time, Brazil, the world’s largest beef exporter, is seeing reduced exportable supplies due to herd cycles and strong domestic demand. The combination is limiting available beef at a time when consumer demand has remained relatively steady. Wholesale prices have already risen, and higher costs are expected to reach grocery stores and restaurants. Economists say herd rebuilding in the U.S. will take time, meaning supply pressures are unlikely to ease quickly. Ranchers face high feed and land costs, slowing expansion. While higher prices may benefit producers, analysts caution that consumers could shift to cheaper proteins if beef becomes too expensive.

Source: NAFB