What's the Scoop on Beef Prices Going into 2026?

Here’s The Scoop:

As of January this year, ground beef prices are currently at $6.79/lb according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. A 22% increase from last January when ground beef was at $5.55/lb. Beef prices are projected to increase even more in 2026. While demand for beef remains high, the US cattle inventory is at a record low over the last 60 years. With this being said, beef imports have nearly doubled in the last 10 years. As of 2025, there have been around 150,000 metric tons imported! That's approximately 330 million pounds. Over 70% of imports are from Canada and Argentina, purposed to support the American consumption of lean ground beef. Foreign beef arrives at major meat processors who process hundreds of cattle per day. Commercial ground beef is usually made with the lean/fat content as the primary focus. To achieve this, the same cut of beef (often the chuck) is taken from 10's to 100's of animals to create one batch of ground beef.

In 2009, the United States fully enforced Country of Origin Labeling, which required retailers to list the country of origin on their packaging for meat, fish, nuts, and produce. However, in 2015 a World Health Organization ruling repealed the law for beef and pork. This means that when you purchase ground beef from any local grocer, there is a high probability that the beef was raised outside of the United States in conditions and locations unknown to the consumer.

We have made it our mission to offer both beef and pork that is locally raised, free from hormones and antibiotics, cared for, and of the highest quality! By buying local, you can feel good about what you put in your body! You can also feel good about the savings from buying in bulk.