While the rising cost of eggs has drawn national attention in recent years, new numbers show the price of beef is rising, as well.
Government data show the average price of ground beef rose nearly 12% from a year ago to about $6.12 for a pound.
At the same time, uncooked steaks rose by 8%. Demand is also high this time of year, as people are grilling more often.
Lauren Maehling, executive director of the Arizona Beef Council, says thinning herds and water issues are some of the biggest contributors to consumer cost increases.
“Arizona ranchers continually plan for drought, we just seem to face consistent drought throughout the Southwest," Maehling said.
In January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Arizona has about 930,000 cattle, a 4% drop from 2024.
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