Ranchers are warning that our food systems are in great danger right now. Cattle production has plummeted to the lowest point in decades, and new diseases are rapidly spreading across U.S. beef cow herds, which is threatening our entire food supply chain.
This is the sign for you to start stocking up on basic staples before things get any worse because cattle farmers are extremely concerned about the fate of our national beef industry.
They believe more price hikes are coming for consumers, and shortages of meat and dairy are about to become more widespread in many regions of the country over the summer.
America is currently running low on cows, according to new numbers released earlier this month by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The figures show that nationwide beef cattle inventory dropped by 1 billion pounds to just 28.2 million cows this year – the lowest level since the 1970s. Even worse, total U.S. cattle and calf inventory plunged to its lowest point since 1951.
Agricultural economists say drought over the last three years, along with higher input costs and persistent inflation, are adding a lot of pressure on both farmers and grocery retailers, and conditions will get much more complicated over the next three to six months.
The end consumer will be the hardest hit, of course.
Meat and dairy prices, which already rose by 21% and 17%, respectively, since 2021, are going to face another spike right as the summer grilling season begins. Supplies will become harder to find too, according to ranchers.
While demand for beef remains strong, they have serious doubt whether there’s enough inventory to go around this year.
Heatwaves, feed and water scarcity had a drastic impact on livestock farming in 2023, and the aftermath will be seen in the months ahead.