Buy Beef Now!?

by admin on July 23, 2011

Barbee sent me this article the other day. It basically says that due to the heat and subsequent crop loss, beef prices are lower right now as cattle is shipped off to slaughter because it is too expensive to continue to feed the cows.

The heat is taking a toll on crops and livestock as well as beef consumption domestically. The bright spot has been the export market where heat is not a factor. Exports have provided a base of support for beef during a period when seasonally beef demand is not strong.

Box beef prices fell as retailers demanded part of the packer margins. Select cuts were mostly steady but choice cuts fell over two dollars. Japan over the weekend banned beef shipments from the contaminated area and many Japanese consumers will shun domestic beef in favor of imported beef. Choice cuts are quoted at $176.50 while select at $171.50.

Full article

It may be a good time to start looking for some meat deals if prices decline due to over supply. But with a market glut, beef prices may rise next year as there is less cattle to slaughter (shesh this reminds me of the futures market).

I have been after hubby to order half a cow, but I may ask him to up it to the whole cow if prices are low.

Thanks Barbee!

{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }

Julie July 23, 2011 at 2:11 pm

Heck buy two…one for milking.

Marissa July 23, 2011 at 2:20 pm

Thanks for the heads up. I will be stocking up if the prices come down a bit. I want to buy a cow too. Just need a freezer to do that!

kas July 23, 2011 at 2:43 pm

Expect poultry prices to go up, since most fowls are raised inside and done by independent contractors. A TV segment had a NC man stating large fans would be required to cool the chicken or they would die off. A reduction of dairy herds before the heifers drop next year calves, could result in a jump of dairy products prices.

Diane July 23, 2011 at 4:13 pm

What a hard life ranchers lead to be so dependent on mother nature. We save at their expense. I so support our hard working farmers whenever I can.

Susan July 23, 2011 at 4:20 pm

Wow, who knew? Guess I never really thought about it, but it does make sense. You never really think about these poor animals and the toll the heat is taking on them. Thanks for the great info, as usual Ann, and Barbee too!

Jessie C. July 23, 2011 at 4:32 pm

Thanks for the heads up. We don’t buy much beef but it’s always good to stay in the know.

Heather W. July 23, 2011 at 4:35 pm

Thanks for the insight. I don’t buy much beef because of the prices. I’ve went to ground turkey instead of hamburger…however, the burgers aren’t near as good…Thanks again!

Skirnir July 23, 2011 at 4:36 pm

I will look at the prices, but lately beef has seemed higher to me, but maybe in the coming weeks, we will see a lower price. I can hope! My freezer is nearly empty of meat.

Renae July 23, 2011 at 4:58 pm

Interesting article Ann! I have seen beef prices higher than they were last year. I usually look for ribeye steaks around $5.99/lb. to stockup. The cheapest I have seen this summer is $6.99/lb. I will keep and eye out for dropping prices!

Barbee July 23, 2011 at 7:10 pm

I saw it this week @ Brookshires $4.99 and am witing for it to go lower.

Whole chickens @.69 but my buy price is .59/lb for whole birds.

Renae July 23, 2011 at 9:04 pm: Hi Barbee,
$4.99/lb. would be a great price in my area! Whole chickens are usually about $0.89/lb. It’s amazing how much prices can vary by state.

Reply

Abhishek Duggal July 23, 2011 at 5:57 pm

Kindly enter me in the comment contest. Thanks for the opportunity!

Sheri July 23, 2011 at 8:56 pm

I’ve been wanting to buy a cow as well. What would be a good price for a cow?

Stephanie July 23, 2011 at 9:36 pm

Can anyone tell me Where can you buy part of a cow in the Buffalo area, that is hormone free and antibiotic free? Also, what size freezer is needed to store this kind of meat?

donna July 23, 2011 at 9:45 pm

If only I had room for ‘another’ freezer, I would buy more meat! However, the idea of getting a cow for milk is even MORE appealing. I’m thinking hubby wouldn’t go for that in our tiny back yard with the kumquat, lemon, banana and grapefruit trees – haha!

Heather W. July 23, 2011 at 9:46 pm

Hope ya’ll like buttermilk……I would love to get half of a cow and have it butchered….that would just be awesome!

Liz July 23, 2011 at 9:58 pm

Interesting… we don’t eat as much beef in this household, but I may buy some of it. It doesn’t seem like the price is coming down here though. NYC – what else can I expect. Thanks for the heads up Ann and Barbee.

leslie July 23, 2011 at 11:23 pm

It would be so much cheaper if my husband and I didn’t eat beef!!! Oh well what are you gonna do.

kas July 23, 2011 at 11:51 pm

What I gather is that cattle raised for beef is more likely to be west of the Mississippi. The all-natural hormone- and antibiotic-free beef served at today Meatopia, which was in NYC, came from Creekstone Farms, which is in Arkansas City, KS. I am guessing individual NY farmers that may raise a heifer or steer would like a fair price up front with payment.

So are cattle actually raised in the east for market? In this state, MO, around a certain age the farmer will bring them to a local auction. After the sale, often the animals are fatten up more before the trip to the slaughterhouse.

http://meatopia.org/farmers-animals/

Didi July 24, 2011 at 7:57 am

Thank you for the heads up! Were gonna look into it.

Julie July 24, 2011 at 3:01 pm

Movies like Food, Inc., and books like The Omnivore’s Dilemma are changing the way I think about meats I can get at the grocery store. I’ve been wanting to buy locally raised beef but didn’t know where. Just a few weeks ago I visited my town’s farmer’s market and discovered a farm just a few miles away from my home that raises and sells beef. Looks like I’m going to fill my freezer this fall.

kas July 24, 2011 at 3:21 pm