ATLANTA — Beef prices at grocery stores continue to climb as Georgia’s cattle supply declines, with relief from higher prices not expected until at least next year.
A new USDA report for Georgia shows the state’s cattle supply is down nearly 10% from this time last year, in line with declines reported in many other states.
The supply shortage has contributed to an increase of about 20% in grocery store prices for beef products including steaks, roasts and ground beef.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the national average price for a pound of ground beef is $7.15. Five years ago, the same amount cost an average of $4.96.
Higher costs are also affecting restaurants.
“A lot of restaurants have discontinued some products just because it’s so cost prohibitive,” restaurant owner David Page said.
Several factors have contributed to lower livestock numbers across the country, including a decline in American farmers and ranchers as operating cattle farms becomes more expensive.
The New World screwworm has also affected the cattle supply. Several instances of the parasitic fly, which targets live cattle, were reported in the West and Mexico.
The federal government blocked imports of live cattle, horses and bison from Mexico last year because of concerns about the spread of the parasite. The move put additional pressure on the U.S. cattle supply.
The government began a phased reopening of cattle imports last month at a border crossing in Arizona. Mexican imports are expected to take months to return to normal levels.
Government data ranks Georgia 30th in the country for grocery store beef prices. Industry analysts say prices are not likely to begin coming down until at least the middle of next year.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Keith Cromwell contributed to this story.
