North Central US | Mark in WCIowa - 10/29/2025 12:21
Any time we've run short of grain, its never been a problem to send in the imports. In fact, we are importing grains in every single calendar year. Not to mention we want to export our products to other countries which keeps their farm prices depressed.
This beef price crisis isn't going to solve itself in any timely fashion. We aren't holding back enough heifers to increase supply. Even if we were suddenly, would this take several years to come to fruition on the meat shelves?
It is very simple:
You have 5 companies that control 95% of the market in the US.
Last time beef prices were high, when they came down on the buying/selling side, store prices did not change.
Packer profits went up and everyone below them went back to break even at best. No incentive to really stay in the business if you can break it and grow corn and beans.
All imports do is screw us. They do not and will not help the price in the store. They never have in recent history and will not unless there is a massive antitrust case to break up the packers.
Boxed went up, FYI, on the talk of imports. |
Why is importing beef such a big deal?
