CHICAGO (RFD-TV) — Retail beef sales are holding steady, despite differences in consumer spending power. Analysts say that while some households are facing financial pressures, other consumers are helping to maintain overall demand.
Rich Nelson, chief strategist at Allendale Inc., notes this balance is likely to keep retail sales stable in the short term.
“We do have news that [retail sales] should be [stable],” he said. “We do have news that the lower third of consumers is struggling right now. However, we don’t really have that confirmed on the retail beef pushback yet. We’ve been speculating about this issue for two, if not three years. So far, the middle-class consumer and the higher-income consumer are making up for the concerns on the lower end here in the very short term.”
Nelson adds that cash cattle prices jumped $6 last week, but wholesale beef prices have dropped by $4 over the past few weeks, despite a rebound in cash cattle markets.
Rising cow numbers and higher yields are boosting milk supplies, which may keep pressure on prices and farm margins into the fall.
September 25, 2025 01:01 PM
·
As input costs continue to rise, diesel prices have held steady in recent weeks, according to energy analysts at GasBuddy.
September 25, 2025 12:02 PM
·
A new study by the National Grains and Feeds Association found that their industry generates $401.7 billion in economic output and supports over 1.16 million jobs nationwide.
September 24, 2025 02:41 PM
·
U.S. produce growers face a structural disadvantage—cheaper imports driving down prices while rising labor costs squeeze margins. Without new policies or technology, profitability remains uncertain.
September 23, 2025 04:09 PM
·
Herd rebuilding looks slow, keeping cattle prices supported; beef-on-dairy crosses help fill feedlots, while imports temper—but don’t erase—tightness.
September 23, 2025 01:32 PM
·
Lamb prices have seen a surprising surge driven by a tight supply and increasing demand in non-traditional markets.
September 23, 2025 12:40 PM
·
