As the summer grilling season kicks in, many families are having to rethink their cookout menus due to high beef prices. With beef prices still on the rise, shoppers are making tradeoffs at the meat counter, opting for chicken, pork, and less expensive cuts of beef to make their summer gatherings more affordable.

Why Beef Prices Remain High

The current tight supply of cattle in the U.S. is a major factor contributing to the high prices. Years of drought and slow herd rebuilding have left the country with fewer cattle available, even as demand remains strong. According to Michael Swanson, chief agricultural economist at Wells Fargo, the nation’s cattle herd remains near its lowest level in decades, and rebuilding takes time, leaving beef supplies tight and prices elevated.

Federal data shows that beef prices were still climbing in June, with ground beef now averaging $6.83 a pound nationally, while beef steaks hover near $13 a pound. Both are more expensive than they were a year ago, and economists say prices are unlikely to ease soon.

Shoppers Adapt to High Beef Prices

In response to the high beef prices, shoppers are adapting by choosing alternative proteins. Chicken breast prices are down 6.2% from last year, making chicken one of the few major proteins that is more affordable than it was last summer. A July survey found that 55% of consumers are buying less beef or have stopped buying it entirely, with 44% of those cutting back opting for more chicken, pork, or seafood instead.

Retailers are also responding to the shift in consumer behavior, offering promotions and discounts on alternative proteins and less expensive cuts of beef. Experts recommend that shoppers choose chicken or pork, try less expensive beef cuts, make smaller burgers or sliders, buy frozen ground beef, and shop their refrigerators and pantries first to build meals around ingredients they already have.

Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.