Price of USDA Choice brisket packers

[Monty House]

I got my most recent Select grade for $1.88/lb. I heard that the severe drought in the Southwest has forced ranchers to take cattle to market earlier than desired, as the price of feed is going through the roof.

Just curious if anyone else heard that and what they're currently paying for Choice packers.

 

[BillW]

I just paid $2.13/lb for a USDA Choice at Smart & Final in the Fresno area. I heard the same thing too about the ranchers slaughtering all some of their cattle prematurely due to the drought. My worry is in the coming years if this is going to cause beef prices to go higher than what they've been in previous years.