If you’re planning to buy some beef to throw on the grill over the next few weeks, expect to pay up to three times more than you did just a couple of years ago, when our domestic supply was plentiful due to a historic cattle selloff. Since 2021, ranchers have been coping with drought and record feed prices, which forced many of them to send their animals for slaughter earlier than usual. And while that led to a higher supply and steadier prices back then, now it is resulting in falling production, empty shelves, and a painful spike in prices at grocery stores.
According to industry sources familiar with the matter, we’re about to see the worst of meat shortages, and costs are about to explode for US consumers, who may have to trade their traditional steaks for cheaper alternatives for the rest of the year and into 2024.
Our domestic beef cow herd is currently at its smallest size since 1962. And now ranchers who fatten cattle have finally gained leverage in sales negotiations over the meatpackers that dominate the market. The US Department of Agriculture reports that tightening cattle supplies are expected to cause a significant year-over-year decrease in beef production, the first decline since 2015.
The biggest thing that looms large in the minds of market analysts right now is how the recession is going to affect the meatpacking industry from now on. Despite the predictions for demand reduction, these companies are likely to pass on even higher costs to consumers as they pay more to ranchers and feeders for their shrinking supply of cattle. Last month, live cattle futures prices reached a record 177.700 cents per pound for the front month. The peak was up 26% from a year earlier and 118% from the same period in 2021.
Paying more for cattle cuts into the meatpackers’ profitability. That’s why they have to charge more for ground beef and steaks at a time of high inflation. For that reason, analysts forecast that beef prices can actually triple at the stores this year. In 2021, the average retail price for choice beef in the first quarter was about $7.60 a pound, 0.6% lower than a year earlier, Agriculture Department data show. In May, reports have shown that beef prices reached up to $20.99 in certain stores, three times higher than they were just a couple of years ago.
Some shoppers are trading down by going for cheaper items or shopping at bargain stores. Supply chain issues and a reluctance to strike deals with suppliers while commodities prices surge are also contributing to widespread shortages of everyday items, including carbonated beverages, oils, fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts.
It is safe to say that by the end of the summer, supplies will get even tighter, and shelves will look even barer than they are right now.
The shortages we’ve been warned about are already here, and they will only aggravate from this point on. It’s time to ensure a reliable supply of essentials before items vanish from stores and retailers start to charge even more for their products. So stock up on what you can because the months ahead are going to be exceedingly difficult.
Article and video cross-posted from Epic Economist.
For Emergency Preparedness, Don’t Forget the Meds
Being prepared is more than just a good idea—it’s essential. We stock up on non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, and first-aid supplies, but one critical aspect often gets overlooked: access to vital medications. What happens if pharmacies close, prescriptions can’t be filled, or you’re cut off from medical care during an emergency?
That’s where Jase Medical steps in, offering a reliable solution to ensure you and your family have the medications you need when it matters most.
Jase Medical specializes in emergency preparedness kits designed to provide peace of mind through physician-reviewed, prescription medications delivered right to your door. Their flagship product, the Jase Case, is a comprehensive emergency antibiotic and medication kit priced at $289.95.
This kit includes 10 essential medications—five life-saving antibiotics and five symptom relief meds—that can treat over 50 common infections and illnesses, from urinary tract infections and pneumonia to skin infections and traveler’s diarrhea. With 28 add-on options available, you can customize the kit to fit your specific needs, including a KidCase for children ages 2-11.
The process is straightforward and hassle-free. Simply visit Patriot.tv/meds, complete an online evaluation, and have your order reviewed by a board-certified physician. Once approved, the medications are shipped discreetly from a licensed pharmacy to your U.S. address (with plans for Canada shipping coming soon). Each kit comes with detailed Med Cards outlining symptoms, dosing, and usage, making it easy to administer even in high-stress situations. These medications are shelf-stable and designed for long-term storage, empowering you to handle medical emergencies without relying on external help.
For those on the move, Jase Medical also offers the Jase Go kit for $129.95, a compact travel med kit covering over 30 common conditions encountered during adventures or trips. And for ongoing needs, Jase Daily provides an extended supply of your prescribed chronic medications to safeguard against disruptions in supply chains or extreme weather events.
Don’t just take our word for it—thousands of satisfied customers have given Jase Medical a 4.9-star rating, praising its role in true preparedness. As radio host Glenn Beck warns, “The supply lines for antibiotics already are stressed to the max. Please have some antibiotics on hand… You can do it through Jase.”
Whether you’re prepping for a hurricane, a power outage, or simply the uncertainties of daily life, Jase Medical ensures you’re not caught off guard. Head to patriot.tv/meds today to customize and order your emergency kit—because when it comes to your health and safety, it’s better to be prepared than sorry.