Why Has The Price Of Beef Gone Up So High?....

[global1]

Lately I've only been able to afford the 'Helper' in 'Hamburger Helper'.

[underpants]

1. COVID in the processing plants I'd guess

Production has been slowed. Either that or gouging.

[Ptah]

4. ..

[Hugin]

3. There is a quote from the Vacation movies concerning the need for anything other than the helper...

Which, I will avoid posting during these difficult times for many.

I have no answer other than the price of beef and most other commodities is being driven up by the ongoing pandemic.

Less than 100 hours!

[Towlie]

21. This?

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085995/quotes/qt0460585

Here's another funny quote.

[Shell_Seas]

5. During the pandemic, restaurants were closed and not buying beef. So they killed half of America's,

I just made that up. But it could be true, it's the most American thing I could think of.

[NurseJackie]

6. Yeah... before you know it, we'll be buying "Helper Helper".

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

7. I don't know, but I don't think it's Covid-related.

Beef prices (and lamb) were skyrocketing before the pandemic. Prices just continue "up".

I don't know if beef prices are part of "Consumer Price Index" or inflation figures, or if they use a "chained" method, comparing last year's prime rib price with this year's hamburger price.

Even the Trumps will soon be buying Caviar Helper.

[RicROC]

8. incoming inflation

I've noticed this for months, the increase in prices, be it meat products or haircuts. My dental cleaning which cost $85 exactly a year ago is now $95. Barber went up from $20 to $25.
So, just looking at the %-age, it looks like prices are going up 11-15%.

[rgbecker]

10. You are right on: Building materials up 70% in 2020.

Lumber including pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine. Plywood and panels.
Paint.
Hardware.
Appliances.

It's like they are telling us to stop getting up and going to work.

[RicROC]

13. that's right!

I would like to build a house in the Spring and every time I chat with the builder, he complains about the rising prices of all those products.

[rgbecker]

14. I was wondering if the fires in Calif were responsible.

It seems the last time Plywood had a big step up was right after the year of the hurricanes ...2017/18. The prices dropped for awhile and then came 2020. I first noticed it with the Pressure treated products...in fact last spring/early summer, Lowes was out of about half the selections usually available! I don't see Covid affecting it that much...although some say the demand for home products have picked up now that so many people are spending so much time at home.

[RicROC]

16. China?

My builder blamed the trade barriers put on China, because the dates of the increases coincided with the dates of Trump's trade announcements.

[rgbecker]

20. Hard to see connection with China fro wood products.

Steel and Aluminum? No doubt...that happened early in Trump's term. As most wood products are coming from North and South America I can't see a China connection. Wood products have fluctuated regularly during my 35 year carpentry career, especially due to natural disasters but the rate of the recent spike has really been excessive. I'm afraid it is indicative of an overall inflation spike to come, especially with the free flowing stimulus funds and record low interest rates. I hope I am wrong and things calm down this summer. Cost of new building and renovations are going to simply move more out of the housing market leaving the pickings for the rich.

[Magoo48]

9. The higher the price of beef and other meats goes, the better it is for our home planet.

I for one hope it goes through the roof.

[StarryNite]

17. Good point.

[MiniMe]

11. I had ordered a side of beef in the spring, just got it

So I am protected for a while from the price of beef, and the beef is delicious. Thinking of ordering another side.

[Polybius]

12. Try beef liver and hearts instead

Had it last night. Dirt cheap.

[Tracer]

15. $9.99 for a 12 oz. package of bacon ... today.

No BLT's for me.

[ProfessorGAC]

18. In MA?

I bought a name brand for $5.79 today. Was not marked "sale".

[Mosby]

19. I hope it goes up even more

We shouldn't be eating bovine anyway.