Arizona’s beef industry continues to demonstrate remarkable strength despite challenges such as drought, generating $891 million in cash receipts according to the latest USDA numbers, underscoring the state’s vital role in meeting America’s growing appetite for high-quality beef. As Memorial Day weekend unofficially kicks off grilling season, strong demand for beef nationwide highlights the importance of Arizona’s ranchers and the resilience of our state’s cattle industry.

Industry analysis shows U.S. meat sales reached $112 billion in 2025, with more than 98% of American households purchasing meat for daily meals. The USDA forecasts rising consumption of beef, pork, and chicken in 2026, despite increased prices. Beef remains the centerpiece of many cookouts, and Arizona producers are helping meet that demand despite national challenges like record-high prices and tight cattle inventories.

“Beef remains the centerpiece of many cookouts, but record-high prices and historically tight cattle inventories continue to challenge both consumers and producers,” according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s latest Market Intel. Arizona’s $891 million in beef cash receipts reflect the enduring strength and economic impact of our state’s ranching families, who raise premium beef even amid years of drought, elevated costs, and herd liquidation pressures felt across the West.

Nationally, the average retail price for beef hit a record $9.64 per pound in April, up about 13% from the previous year, driven by strong consumer demand and the smallest U.S. cattle herd in 75 years. Pork and chicken provide additional options at the grill, with pork chops averaging $4.33 per pound and boneless chicken breasts at $4.17 per pound in April. USDA projects chicken purchases will reach 42.2 billion pounds in 2026.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall emphasized the importance of domestic production: “Home-grown meat continues to be a staple for America’s families. Despite higher prices at the grocery store, families trust America’s farmers and ranchers to grow the food that is put on the grill and on dinner tables across the country. We urge the administration and Congress to prioritize ranchers as they rebuild herds so they can continue to meet the needs of the nation’s families.”

Fifth-generation southern Arizona rancher Ben Menges and Arizona Farm Bureau 2nd Vice President recently discussed the higher beef prices. “If our country wants to lower beef prices, a first step should be to increase the number of cattle ranchers. We have vacant allotments across the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service-managed lands that haven’t been filled in 40 years or more. The trend on federally managed lands has been to decrease permitted capacities and never to increase, and now, ironically, we are seeing an increase in beef prices as cow herds diminish.”

Shoppers can find value this Memorial Day as retailers ramp up promotions and specials for the holiday.