If you’ve been to the grocery store lately, you may have noticed that beef prices seem a lot higher than they used to be. But is this just anecdotal, or is there a real pattern confirming a continued rise?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for uncooked beef steaks (per pound, Midwest urban average, not seasonally adjusted) from 2015 through mid-2025.
We’ll see how prices have shifted over the past decade and explore the factors driving those changes.
Beef Price Trends (2015–2025): U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price of uncooked beef steaks per lb. in the Midwest has been steady rising for the past ten years.
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Annual Avg. Price | Yearly % Change |
| 2015 | $7.20 | $7.29 | $7.34 | $7.39 | $7.56 | $7.84 | $7.95 | $7.70 | $7.68 | $7.67 | $7.58 | $7.22 | $7.54 | |
| 2016 | $7.20 | $7.29 | $7.54 | $7.46 | $7.50 | $7.40 | $7.28 | $7.26 | $7.20 | $7.04 | $7.00 | $6.83 | $7.25 | -3.79% |
| 2017 | $6.89 | $6.68 | $6.91 | $7.00 | $7.03 | $7.40 | $7.39 | $7.37 | $7.24 | $7.48 | $7.04 | $7.04 | $7.12 | -1.74% |
| 2018 | $6.88 | $6.87 | $6.92 | $7.16 | $7.04 | $7.21 | $7.23 | $7.35 | $7.23 | $7.15 | $7.29 | $7.15 | $7.12 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | $7.44 | $7.51 | $7.58 | $7.42 | $7.50 | $7.35 | $7.37 | $7.40 | $7.30 | $7.38 | $7.13 | $7.53 | $7.41 | 3.99% |
| 2020 | $7.33 | $7.33 | $7.33 | $7.69 | $9.36 | $9.17 | $8.56 | $7.82 | $7.87 | $7.48 | $7.68 | $7.70 | $7.94 | 7.25% |
| 2021 | $7.89 | $7.92 | $8.02 | $8.16 | $8.35 | $9.20 | $9.14 | $9.43 | $9.55 | $9.57 | $9.57 | $9.31 | $8.84 | 11.31% |
| 2022 | $9.24 | $9.16 | $9.19 | $9.12 | $9.15 | $9.37 | $9.21 | $9.22 | $8.99 | $9.10 | $9.01 | $9.08 | $9.15 | 3.49% |
| 2023 | $9.19 | $9.11 | $9.24 | $9.47 | $10.62 | $10.74 | $10.98 | $11.10 | $11.02 | $11.03 | $10.93 | $11.09 | $10.38 | 13.37% |
| 2024 | $11.05 | $11.17 | $11.28 | $11.30 | $11.07 | $11.00 | $11.53 | $11.58 | $11.64 | $11.51 | $11.67 | $11.45 | $11.35 | 9.41% |
| 2025 | $11.69 | $11.62 | $11.67 | $11.83 | $12.00 | $12.33 | $12.75 | $13.43 | $12.16 | 7.17% |
(Note: For 2025 the months from September onward were not yet provided, with averages based on available months.)
What the Data Shows
- 2015–2018: Prices were relatively flat, hovering between $7.12 and $7.54 per pound.
- 2019–2020: Prices began to climb, with a sharp spike in 2020 as pandemic disruptions hit.
- 2021–2023: The pace of increases accelerated. 2021 alone saw an 11.31% rise, followed by another 13.37% jump in 2023.
- 2024–2025: Beef prices remain high. Even with incomplete data, 2025 already shows a 7.17% increase compared to 2024.
Seasonally, prices often tick up in late spring and summer (May through August), likely due to grilling demand and supply cycles.
The verdict: Yes, beef prices are rising in 2025, continuing a trend that started in the early 2020s.
Why Are Beef Prices Rising?
Several factors are contributing to higher beef prices in 2025:
1. Shrinking Cattle Herds
- U.S. cattle inventory is at its lowest level in decades – some estimates say the smallest since the 1950s. According to agribusiness expert Mario Ortez Amador, “We are in the middle of a classic cattle cycle downturn. U.S. beef production is declining because the national herd has shrunk to its lowest levels in decades.”
- Rebuilding herds takes 18 – 24 months, meaning supply will remain tight well into 2026.
2. Higher Feed & Input Costs
- Rising grain and fertilizer prices have made it more expensive to raise cattle.
- Droughts in major cattle regions have forced ranchers to cull herds or buy supplemental feed, pushing costs higher.
3. Strong Consumer Demand
- Despite price increases, Americans continue to buy beef, especially premium cuts.
- In fact, beef price growth has outpaced general food inflation in recent years.
4. Trade and Market Pressures
- Tariffs, like the 50% duty on Brazilian beef, limit cheaper imports and drive up domestic prices.
- Industry consolidation also reduces flexibility in supply chains.
5. Outlook for the Future
- USDA forecasts beef and veal prices will increase another 6.8% in 2025.
- Herd rebuilding may start in late 2025, but relief at the checkout counter is unlikely until later years.
What This Means for Consumers
- Short-term: Expect prices to remain high through 2025. Premium steaks will feel the biggest pinch.
- Consumer response: Some households may pivot to ground beef, alternative proteins, or shop more carefully for deals.
- Long-term: Prices may stabilize once cattle herds recover and feed costs ease, but this is a gradual process.
TL;DR: Quick Summary
Yes, beef prices are rising in 2025 – and the data shows no sign of a quick reversal.
Affordable Bulk Beef: Half Cow for Sale in Illinois
While national beef prices are averaging more than $12 per pound in 2025, families in Illinois don’t have to pay grocery store premiums.
At Nadig Farms, we provide Angus, prime-grade, locally raised beef in bulk – whether you’re looking for a half cow for sale in Illinois or a quarter cow. Buying direct from our family farm means affordable prices, better taste, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly where your beef is raised.
If you want to stretch your food budget while enjoying farm-fresh beef, Nadig Farms makes it easy to order online and stock up for the year.
