Beef prices in Canada have reached record levels, rising sharply since 2021. Statistics Canada data shows beef prices increased 12.5% over the past year, with a peak of 17.7% in November 2025. Shoppers report that steak and hamburger costs remain difficult to afford. The main drivers are tight cattle supply after droughts that reduced feed availability and pasture quality, along with rising production costs. Despite higher prices, overall beef demand stays at record levels, with consumers continuing to eat beef. The Canadian cattle herd has been at its lowest level in 40 years, but early recovery is appearing, including a 2.5% increase in cattle and calves to 11.1 million at the beginning of the year.
"The cost of beef remains in record territory up 62.6 per cent since 2021, according to Statistics Canada, driven by years of drought, shrinking cattle herds and rising production costs. The latest Statistics Canada data in April shows beef prices rose 12.5 per cent over the last year. Prices peaked by 17.7 per cent in November 2025."
"Industry experts say, is cattle supply, which remains tight after a series of droughts. But in spite of that, consumer appetite remains strong, with overall demand for beef at record levels. We're not seeing a reduction in demand. People are still eating beef, said Greg Keller, owner of Calgary's Bon Ton Meat Market."
"Severe drought conditions across Canada, the United States and Mexico in 2021 forced many ranchers to shrink their herds because of feed shortages and poor pasture conditions, said Brenna Grant, executive director of the Calgary-based beef statistics firm Canfax. Prices have steadily increased since then, with the Canadian beef herd at its lowest level in 40 years."
"This year, the Canadian cattle herd recorded its first increase since 2018. According to Statistics Canada, the number of cattle and calves grew by 2.5 per cent to 11.1 million at the beginning of this year. Prices have rebounded to the point where it's looking good to put cattle back into your cow herd, said Keith Holowath with Two Valley Land and Cattle near Rumsey, Alta."
Read at www.cbc.ca
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]