689. Here’s Why Your Hamburger Just Got So Pricey

Beef prices are spiking because a multi-year biological production cycle can't quickly offset the lowest US cattle herd in decades, while four packers' 85% market concentration remains fiercely disputed.

• Beef prices have surged: Ground beef hit over $7/lb in May 2026, up ~50% in five years, while beef cow slaughter fell 40% over four years.
• Supply is structurally slow to adjust: Cows produce one calf at a time over a ~24-month production cycle, so rebuilding herds after a shortage takes years, not months.

Themes, sentiment and reasons are AI-written paraphrases, checked so they never quote an episode. They may contain errors. Not investment advice. Episodes remain the property of their creators.