Podcast Summary: Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast

Episode: Beef Prices Are Not Too High When Compared To Other Products
Hosts: Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt & Rebecca “BEC” Wanner
Date: December 5, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode zeroes in on the state of beef prices in America, challenging the perception that beef has become disproportionately expensive. Hosts Tigger and BEC leverage historical data and comparisons with other everyday goods to explain that, despite climbing retail prices, beef remains a competitive, value-driven protein source. The discussion also touches on recent industry events impacting price dynamics, such as herd shrinkage, border closures, tariffs, and government policies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Market Forces Driving Beef Prices

• Cattle herd size and market instability:
  With the U.S. cattle herd shrinking because of low prices, drought, and market fluctuations, beef prices have risen, reflecting tighter supply.

  • “Beef consumption in the United States is still climbing even as the nation's cattle herd shrinks due to low prices, drought and market instability.” (02:07)

• Impact of trade policies:
  Recent government moves—removing tariffs on South American beef and increasing quota limits—have led to the fastest recorded drop in feeder cattle futures. But retail prices haven’t responded as quickly.

  • “President Trump has pledged to bring beef prices down… reversed the Brazilian beef tariffs and moved to sharply increase Argentinian beef allowed under tariff quotas. The result? The fastest and steepest drop in feeder cattle futures ever recorded.” (02:39)

2. Retail Prices vs. Producer Prices

• Despite falling cattle prices (about 20% from highs), consumer-facing beef prices (boxed beef) have continued rising or just recently leveled off.
  • “But consumers haven't seen lower prices at the meat counter. And even with cattle prices falling about 20% from their highs, boxed beef prices actually climbed through October and have only recently leveled off, moving in the opposite direction of what the White House intended.” (03:01)

3. Historical Context: Beef vs. Other Staples

• Ground beef:

  • 1980: $1.39/lb ➡️ 2025: $6.25/lb (355% increase)

• Doritos:

  • 1980: ~$1.00 ➡️ Today: $5.94 (500% increase)

• Coffee:

  • 1980: $0.40 ➡️ Today: $3.50 (775% increase)

• Key Message:

  • “So no, beef is not too high.” (03:48)

4. The Perception vs. Reality of Beef Prices

• The hosts emphasize that, compared to other grocery staples, beef's price increase is actually more modest. The narrative that "beef is too expensive" is shown to be misleading without broader context.
  • “Let's take a look at 45 years ago compared to now…” (03:37)
  • “A cup of coffee… a 775% increase. So no, beef is not too high.” (03:45-03:48)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the paradox of cattle and beef prices:

  • Tigger: “The fastest and steepest drop in feeder cattle futures ever recorded. But consumers haven't seen lower prices at the meat counter.” (02:46)

• On historical price comparisons:

  • BEC: “In 1980, ground beef was $1.39 per pound. Today, right around six and a quarter per pound, that's an increase of 355% over the last 45 years.” (03:29)
  • Tigger: “A cup of coffee back in 1980 was 40 cents compared to $3.50 today, a 775% increase. So no, beef is not too high.” (03:44-03:48)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:07] – U.S. beef consumption trends vs. cattle herd shrinkage
• [02:30] – Overview of recent policy changes affecting imports/exports
• [02:39] – Impact of tariffs being rolled back and beef futures
• [03:01] – Retail price trends vs. producer price trends
• [03:29] – Ground beef, Doritos, and coffee: Comparing price increases since 1980
• [03:48] – The conclusion: Beef prices aren't as high as you think

Final Thoughts

This episode debunks the myth that beef is overpriced, showing that, relative to other staples and inflation over the decades, beef holds its own as an affordable and valuable source of protein. The hosts use real-world data, personal insight, and a conversational style to keep listeners both informed and engaged in the realities of agricultural economics and the western way of life.