America’s Disappearing Beef Supply
A combination of drought and disease is reducing America’s beef supply to its lowest level in years. The drought has been ongoing for over a decade, although it has been intermittent. The disease is screwworm. Global warming may have made it possible for screwworm populations to move north.
The American Farm Bureau reports that the U.S. cattle inventory is the lowest it has been in 73 years. Drought has meant fewer animals, particularly those for breeding purposes. “This led to an unusually high number of female cattle being placed on feed for market.” There is no relief in sight for either problem.
The average price of uncooked ground beef was $4.63 in 2020. This year, the figure is $6.50 so far. This number is an all-time high. Beef, as measured this way, is part of the CPI calculation.
Beef prices can join the prices of several other American favorites that have been caused by climate change. Harsh weather in Vietnam and Brazil has driven coffee bean prices to new highs. The weather in western Africa, where a large portion of the world’s cocoa is grown, has caused similar problems.
Americans are worried about the effects of tariffs on inflation. They should also worry about the food supply in some cases.
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