Rising Beef Prices Impact Wisconsin Meat Markets Amid Ongoing Cattle Shortages

Beef prices continue climbing at meat markets across Wisconsin, driven by a national cattle shortage. A recent report from the Farm Bureau places beef costs at a record high of over $8.15 per pound.

This scarcity is particularly challenging for businesses like Geiss Meat Market in Merrill, where owner Andy Geiss has observed a slowdown in cattle supply.

“Where customers normally would bring in 10 or 15 beef for harvest, they are only bringing in seven or eight,” he explained. This shortage has forced the market to delay some orders until January, especially for those looking to purchase a side of beef.

While meat cuts like hamburgers and hot dogs remain readily available at Geiss Meat Market, specialty orders are affected by these supply constraints.

As Geiss noted, “If you want hamburgers or burgers, or patties or hot dogs, any of that kind of stuff, we have all that in the store. It’s just if you’re looking for a side of beef right now.”

Customers may need to adjust expectations, as Geiss anticipates that rising prices will persist over the next year. He added, “I’m assuming that in 12 months from now when these animals are being shipped, are gonna be ready for harvest, the price is just gonna continue to go up.”

Other meat markets like Townline Market face similar pressures, with costs rising for previously affordable cuts.

Townline Market’s owner, David Jagler, noted, “Right now, we’re finding that some of the cheaper cuts that we use for hamburger, things like that, are rising, so hamburger prices are rising.”

Despite these price hikes, sales remain steady. Both Geiss and Jagler emphasize the importance of carefully selecting quality cuts, as the cost of beef shows no sign of decreasing soon.

Interested in how beef prices affect your local meat market? Check out our homepage for insights into supply issues and pricing changes.