U.S. Beef Prices Hit Historic Highs Amidst Shrinking Herd and Geopolitical Stress

Live cattle futures have reached record levels as the U.S. cattle herd hits its lowest point since the 1950s. Rising input costs and supply constraints are driving inflation for consumers and squeezing margins for major restaurant chains.

• Cattle futures reached an all-time high of $2.51 per pound
• U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest level since the 1950s
• March beef production fell by 300,000 pounds to 1.9 million
• Retail ground beef prices rose 12% year-over-year to $6.70/lb
• Geopolitical conflict with Iran is inflating fuel and fertilizer costs
• Major fast-food chains face potential sales headwinds due to beef inflation