Rising Beef Prices Bring Mixed Results for Local Ranchers

By Dr. Jay Callegari

AVOYELLES PARISH, La. — Beef prices across the United States have climbed to their highest levels in years, creating both opportunities and challenges for local ranchers. While consumers are paying more at grocery stores, cattle producers in Avoyelles Parish are finally experiencing a period of profitability—though it comes with higher input costs and uncertainty about the future.

A Long-Awaited Break for Producers

Lynn Deloach, president of the Avoyelles Cattlemen’s Association and president-elect of the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, said ranchers are “finally making a few dollars” after years of tight margins.

“Beef prices are higher than they have been in some time—so are the prices in the grocery stores,” Deloach said. “It is a time where we are making a few dollars, despite the cost of all the inputs.”

Why Prices Are Rising

Deloach explained that the surge in prices is not tied to government policy or tariffs, but to a natural market correction following widespread herd sell-offs during recent droughts.

“The cost of cattle has skyrocketed because so many herds were sold two years ago,” he said. “There was no grass and no hay made, and people were forced to sell. A lot of productive cows were slaughtered.”

With fewer cattle in the national supply, demand has driven prices upward. Deloach expects the market will eventually stabilize as herds are rebuilt.

“We’re just starting to see a trend of farmers keeping heifers,” he added. “If so, it will take about three years to see our numbers climb and cattle going back in a downward trend.”

Concerns About Imports

Despite the positive trend, Deloach voiced concerns over potential beef imports from countries like Argentina, which he fears could harm American producers.

“Why devastate our cattle market and industry with imports from a country like Argentina?” he questioned. “If our president wants to bail out Argentina’s economy, do so without importing their beef and destroying our industry.”

Optimism Despite Challenges

Even with rising input costs and market uncertainty, Deloach remains hopeful for local ranchers.

“We’ve sold cattle for years for low prices and high input costs with very little assistance,” he said. “So why not leave our market alone? Let supply and demand work.”

Editor’s Note:
The recent rise in beef prices has created a rare moment of optimism for Avoyelles cattlemen—but with global markets, weather, and feed costs all in play, many say they’re approaching the future with cautious hope.