Beef Prices Reflect Supply and Demand, Not Politics

Recent market volatility and media-driven headlines have created confusion for cattle producers. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President of Governmental Affairs Ethan Lane emphasizes consumers, not social media or political messaging, ultimately drive market signals. “The only cure for high prices is high prices. Consumers will be the best vehicle to tell us when prices are too high because they will buy something different when they go to the grocery store. Producers are in the driving seat right now, have cattle that are worth a lot of money. This is really a time for them to pay down debt and rebuild.” Lane also cautioned producers about misinformation on social media, pointing to false claims about government programs. “Delete Facebook and Instagram from your phone this afternoon; it is making everyone dumber. Social media influencers are there to drive engagement, not to move accurate information.”