Price of Beef Increasing!

In 2011, the price of beef per pound increased by about 10% from 2010. Prices are expected to increase this year as well.  Farmers are claiming that the cost for everything they need to run their farm has inflated, which explains the price increase in beef.

Why isn’t the price for poultry increasing as much you ask? According to CNN, “Cattle farmers pay more for each animal, land for grazing, fertilizers, feed and processing systems versus poultry farmers.” It also takes longer for cattle to develop and be prepared for sale compared to poultry. It could take years for beef to be prepared for sale; whereas for poultry, it would only take 46 days for farmers to prep it for sale.

There are other factors that lead to the price increase in beef. There is decline in cattle population, which may pose a bigger problem in the future. Also, cattle farmers are switching over and using their land to grow grains that produce more profit. The severe drought last year contributes to the thinning herd of cattle as well. The drought led to less water and grass for the animals to consume. Cattle farmers were forced to send some of their animals to slaughterhouses or feedlots.

Although beef industries are aware of the possibility of consumers switching over to poultry as a substitute due to the rising price in beef, prices are expected to increase by about 5% this year. As a solution, beef producers are suggesting that retailers allow consumers to buy beef in bulk, which is supposed to be cheaper.

Personally, I would never be able to find a substitute for beef. Therefore, replacing it with poultry is out of the question. However, for people that love fish or poultry just as much as they do beef, a possible solution is buying either of those more often and having beef once in awhile.

Now it’s your turn readers, would you start eating poultry instead of beef? Comment below why or why not. Thanks for reading!