Beef prices are expected to get even worse this year.

America is running low on cows, according to new numbers out this week from the US Department of Agriculture. The figures show ranchers have fewer cattle and that is contributing to the cost of beef being more expensive.

According to the USDA, nationwide beef cattle inventory dropped to 28.2 million this year – the lowest level since the 1970s and down 2% from a year ago.

Agricultural economists say persistent drought over the last three years, along with high input costs and inflation are putting pressure on both consumers and farmers.

Of course the convenient excuse for the drought is climate change. Before leaving his post, Biden’s climate czar John Kerry expressed the need to target the agriculture industry due to methane emissions from livestock.

However, the drought that has lasted for the last 3 years has done Kerry’s work for him this time since cattle inventory is at its lowest level in over 70 years.

Despite the White House’s financing technological improvements for farmers and ranchers geared to combat climate change, overall, Biden’s efforts have also increased operating costs in both fields. Not only his new rules and regulations on gas production, but also restrictions on wetland permits, water use, including limiting the use of herbicides and pesticides make it harder for farmers and ranchers to operate.

As one rancher recently put it, Bidenomics has contributed to the low beef supply.

What this all comes down to is less beef and more inflation. This, in turn, also limits a vital source of high quality protein people are not only used to but need to help sustain their lives.

PHOTO CREDIT: Pixabay