It’s officially grilling season in the U.S., but when it comes to one of the most beloved protein sources in the country, Americans are getting forced into difficult decisions in supermarket aisles across the country.
But despite high prices, U.S. beef consumption has held steady. And that insatiable demand is colliding with a series of headwinds that are hurting the country’s cattle population, the costs of which have been causing sticker shock even before the latest inflation spike.
But dwindling cattle stocks aren’t the only reason for soaring prices. While the number of cattle has fallen over the years, the actual meat produced per head has increased, mostly because cows have been selectively bred to grow larger.
