Next time you decide to chow down on a juicy burger, take a moment to really savor the moment because if you haven’t noticed, beef prices are up. Beef prices are on the rise at the supermarket and at restaurants. Experts say prices are likely to remain high for at least the next few years.
Drought and higher cattle feed prices have contributed to the price increase. Arizona hasn’t seen as dramatic a rise in prices as have other parts of the country.
Julie Murphree with the Arizona Farm Bureau said the Valley’s competitive grocery market has helped minimize the price pinch. Still, it will be a while before beef prices really come down.
"It takes about two years to bring a steer to market, so even though our herds have been lean and ranchers are intending to increase those herds, it’s going to take a little bit longer than if you were raising chickens for market," Murphree said.
Murphree says consumers may not see prices decline until late 2015 or early 2016.
