With summer fast approaching, barbecuing is on lot of families’ minds and so is the cost of beef.
Today’s post is by Gayl M. Southard, Administrative Consultant for SafeSourcing.
In today’s blog, Gayl discusses the reason for the high cost of beef this year.
With summer fast approaching, barbecuing is on lot of families’ minds. Because of the drought of 2012 in the Midwest, backyard cooks can blame the increase price of beef this grilling season. The average price of sirloin is up 20 percent from last year. An 8-ounce filet mignon is approximately $15 more at some Kansas City area stores. Two pounds of lean ground beef may cost a few dollars more than a year ago. Although beef is pricier, it’s hard to resist the smell of beef on the grill!
Many cattle farmers decreased their herds two or three years ago when the grasslands dried due to drought conditions. Cattle, unlike fast growing chicken and pigs, require three years from breed to slaughter. The gestation for a cow is nine months to deliver a calf. We are about a year and half away from the price of beef to show a reduction. This is good news to the cattle farmers, as they can reap the rewards of the higher price of beef now.
According to Tampa Bay Times, dated May 13, 2013, “’A year ago last November, for 350-pound calves I paid $1.80 a pound,’” Mc Intosh said. “’Today, I might pay $3 to $3.50” a pound’”. Cattle farmers have been trying to satisfy pickier consumers since the 1980’s when the shift from beef to poultry shifted.
Fortunately, if you prefer pork or chicken, those prices have barely increased, in fact bacon, on average, is cheaper.
For more information on how we can help you with your procurement needs or on our “Risk Free” trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative. We have an entire customer services team waiting to assist you today.
We look forward to your comments.
