Source: Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE, 10/2/13

USDA is reporting continued high prices for retail beef over the last two months and is projecting that the high costs will continue near the current levels “for some time.”

USDA’s Economic Research Service reported in its Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook that August retail Choice beef prices reached $5.39 per pound while all-fresh beef hit $4.97 per pound.

The cost of beef at retail continued a record-setting trend from July, despite price-dampening pressure from other proteins like poultry and pork and the end of the summer grilling season. The report adds that generally declining beef supplies between 2012 and 2013 will keep retail prices on the relatively high end.

Meanwhile, falling cattle shipments from Mexico prompted a lowering of the 2013 import forecast to 1.9 million head. The report added that cattle imports for the year are down 20 percent through the first eight months of 2013.

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