Trump urges retailers to cut beef prices; Sorghum basis futures set for Aug. 24

President Donald Trump has announced plans to look into retail beef prices, and RCAF USA has been urging that action for some time, pointing to retail beef margins that have grown significantly over the last several decades, according to CEO Bill Bullard,

“In 2021, the producer share of the consumer beef dollar fell to a historical low of about 37 cents per dollar. But the beef packers' share had risen from about 11 percent up to 22 percent, and the retailers were able to maintain a significant market share. But in 2024, we saw a shift. We saw that the packer share declined significantly back to around 11 percent. The retailer share increased, and the producer share, of course, is also increasing. In 2025, the retailer share continues to increase.”

And because retailers are taking more than their competitive share.

“President Trump has announced that he has requested the largest retailer to begin lowering the price of beef, and apparently Walmart has agreed to do so. And we think that's exactly where the administration needs to be focused to address consumer affordability.”

R-CALF USA's Bill Bullard and CME Group has announced plans to launch Sorghum Basis futures trading is expected to start on August 24 pending regulatory review.