Beef prices are continuing to climb, putting additional pressure on household budgets. Consumers want to know why prices are rising—and when they can expect relief.
America’s cattle supply cannot be rebuilt quickly. Years of drought, smaller herds, rising production costs, regulatory barriers, and strong consumer demand have created a supply problem that could take years to correct.
In this LiveNOW from FOX interview, published August 17, 2026, economic strategist Dan Varroney explains what is driving today’s beef prices, why meaningful relief may still be years away, and what the Trump administration and USDA are doing to strengthen domestic production and help ranchers rebuild capacity.