At least two factors will be driving up the cost of ground beef:
- The abnormal weather that is impacting corn production.
- The implementation of the new testing regulations for STECs.
I am not a weather expert or fully versed on raising cattle. Having said that, this year’s record high temperatures and drought conditions are certain to drive up the cost of beef. Also impacting the retail price of ground beef will be the new regulations on testing for E. coli O157 and other STECs, which went into effect on June 4, 2012. Everything indicates that the level of positive results will increase significantly under these new regulations. read more…