Summary3 min read

Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast

Episode: Retail Beef & Meat Outlook

Hosts: Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt & Rebecca “BEC” Wanner
Date: July 17, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Ranch It Up Radio focuses on the current state and outlook of the retail beef and broader meat markets, drawing on the latest USDA data. Hosts Tigger and BEC break down the record-setting retail beef prices, what’s driving these trends, and how shifts in other meat sectors like chicken, pork, and turkey impact the Western ranching community. The discussion provides ranchers, cattle producers, and beef industry stakeholders with actionable insights on market challenges and opportunities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Retail Beef Prices Hit All-Time Highs

According to the most recent USDA reports, the retail beef price composite set a new record in June, averaging $9.35 per pound.
- "That's up 14 cents from May and marks the highest monthly average ever recorded..." [00:39, Ranch News Host]
Several popular beef cuts have seen significant price increases:
- Ground chuck, stew beef, ground roast, sirloin steak, and uncooked beef roasts are specifically mentioned.
- Round roast experienced a notable spike, rising 35 cents per pound over the past month.
- The only major cut to decrease in price: Chuck roast, down 6 cents to $9.55 per pound.

2. Demand Remains Strong Despite Higher Prices

Despite these record-setting prices, consumer demand for beef is still robust.
- ”Despite record high prices, consumer demand for beef has remained remarkably strong.” [01:07, Ranch News Host]
Tight beef supplies could keep prices elevated.

3. Beef Supply Outlook & USDA's Forecast

The USDA projects even less beef production over the next two years, citing a historically small American cattle herd.
June’s WASDE (World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates) report:
- 2026 beef production forecast cut by 150 million pounds
- 2027 production outlook trimmed by another 185 million pounds
- Drivers: “fewer cattle being marketed and lighter carcass weights are behind the reductions.” [01:40, Ranch News Host]

4. Other Proteins: Chicken, Pork, and Turkey

While beef is down, chicken production is on the rise. USDA notes that poultry producers are expanding their output to capitalize on strong profit margins.
- "Chicken production is headed in the opposite direction ... poultry producers are expanding because of strong profit margins." [01:51, Ranch News Host]
Pork production has slightly decreased, and turkey production remains largely unchanged.
“Despite the shifts among species, total USDA meat production is expected to remain nearly unchanged over the next two years.” [02:10, Ranch News Host]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On record-setting beef prices:
- “According to the latest USDA data, the retail beef price composite reached a new all time record in June, averaging $9.35 per pound.” [00:39, Ranch News Host]
On persistent demand:
- “Despite record high prices, consumer demand for beef has remained remarkably strong.” [01:07, Ranch News Host]
On long-term beef outlook:
- “USDA is forecasting even less beef production over the next two years as America’s cattle herd remains historically tight.” [01:32, Ranch News Host]
On protein market shifts:
- “Chicken production is headed in the opposite direction. USDA increased its forecast for both this year and next, saying poultry producers are expanding because of strong profit margins.” [01:51, Ranch News Host]

Timeline of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Topic | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:39 | Record highs in retail beef prices; breakdown of trending cuts | | 01:07 | Analysis of strong consumer demand amid high prices | | 01:32 | USDA’s downward forecast for beef production, causes, and implications | | 01:51 | Contrasting production trends in chicken, pork, and turkey | | 02:10 | Total meat production outlook, concluding summary |

Summary Takeaways

Beef prices are at all-time highs, and are likely to remain strong, driven by tight supply and stable consumer demand.
USDA projects beef production will shrink further into 2027, due to ongoing contraction in the national cattle herd and lighter animal weights.
Chicken is positioned to fill some of the protein supply gap, while pork and turkey see smaller changes.
For ranchers and producers, these market conditions signal ongoing opportunity—but also challenges—in managing herd sizes and navigating historically high input costs.

Listeners who missed this episode received a concise, data-driven snapshot of the retail meat market, especially the forces affecting beef prices and production trends, all delivered in the authentic, direct style of Tigger & BEC.

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Transcript4 lines

[00:00]
Ranch News Host
Your ranch it up Heard it here. Weekly recap is up right after this
[00:04]
Agriculture Advertiser
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[00:40]
Ranch News Host
According to the latest USDA data, the retail beef price composite reached a new all time record in June, averaging $9.35 per pound. That's up 14 cents from May and marks the highest monthly average ever recorded since several popular cuts saw noticeable price increases, including ground chuck stew, beef ground roast, sirloin steak and uncooked beef roasts. Round Roast posted one of the biggest jumps, climbing 35 cents per pound during the month. The only major cut to see a price decline was chuck roast, which slipped 6 cents to $9.55 per pound. Despite record high prices, consumer demand for beef has remained remarkably strong. The that being said, the USDA is forecasting even less beef production over the next two years as America's cattle herd remains historically tight. In the latest WASDE report, USDA lowered its 2026 beef production forecast by 150 million pounds and trimmed another 185 million pounds from its 2027 outlook. Officials say fewer cattle being marketed and lighter carcass weights are behind the reductions. Meanwhile, chicken production is headed in the opposite direction. USDA increased its forecast for both this year and next, saying poultry producers are expanding because of strong profit margins. Pork production has adjusted only slightly lower, while turkey production saw little change. Overall, despite the shifts among species, total USDA meat production is expected to remain nearly unchanged over the next two years. And that is your ranch. It up. Herd it here.
[02:16]
Agriculture Advertiser
Weekly Recap Are you looking for true price discovery for your feeder cattle? Look no further than Superior Livestock Auction. The video Royale sale is coming up 7-27-31, followed by the Bighorn Classic. To consign to the Bighorn Classic, cattle need to be cataloged by July 31 and videos need to be submitted by August 7. Again July 31 for the catalog and August 7 for the videos to consign to the Bighorn Classic. Any questions? Reach out to your Superior Livestock Auction rep or call Superior Livestock customer service at 800-422-2117. View the sale live on Dish Network, channel 997 and online at sla-tv.com.