According to government data released last week, the average price of a pound of 100 percent ground beef rose to $6.12 last month, up from $5.98 in May and $5.47 in June 2024. Experts have said this trend shows no signs of slowing, meaning there may be upward pressure on prices through 2026 and beyond.

"It might be at least two to three years before we would see any significant change on the supply side that would ultimately lead to some moderation in beef prices," agricultural economist Derrell Peel told Newsweek.

Why It Matters

The rising cost of staple agricultural products such as beef and eggs has further strained household budgets in 2025, as well as the budgets of businesses reliant on the sales of these items. In addition to having an outsize effect on inflation data, summer price increases are hitting during the peak months—when beef sales traditionally peak because of outdoor gatherings—further underscoring the growing issue.