Ranchers have always had to cultivate a sense of stoicism to make it in the profession. As the specter of drought looms large over central Colorado, the price of beef on international markets provides a backstop to ranchers if the rain doesnāt come in May. The market price of beef has risen 40% since January of 2024, and despite several tariff-free large imports ordered by the White House to bring in Brazilian and Argentinian beef (which is then marked and sold with a USA label) to lower prices, beef has bounced back to an all-time price record now at $2.50 per pound live weight for finished steers. With oil prices rising, it has also driven up the price of beef due to the anticipated costs…
