You may have noticed that beef prices are trending upward—and not just at our shop, but across the country. While it's easy to assume it's just inflation, there’s actually a bigger story behind the numbers.
At Yankee Flats Meats, we want to keep you informed so you understand what’s impacting prices and why supporting local still matters more than ever.
What’s Driving the Price Increase?
The rising price of beef in British Columbia, and across Canada, can be traced to a few major industry-wide shifts:
1. Cattle Herds Are at Historic Lows
Canada’s cattle population is the lowest it’s been since 1987. Prolonged drought on the Prairies has made cattle farming more difficult and expensive, forcing many ranchers to downsize or exit the industry altogether.
Fewer cattle = less beef to go around.
2. Supply & Demand Is Out of Balance
With fewer cattle available and strong consumer demand, the price of beef naturally rises. This isn’t just theory - it’s simple economics. People are still buying beef, and in some cases (with rising interest in high-protein diets like the carnivore diet), demand is increasing.
3. Live Market Pricing Sets the Tone
At YFM, we purchase cattle based on live weight prices—a rate set by market auctions in Alberta, which is the largest beef-producing province in Canada. These prices fluctuate weekly and are driven by supply and demand, weather, export markets, and broader economic trends.
This means we don’t arbitrarily raise prices—we adjust in line with the live market, while continuing to pay farmers fairly and ethically.
4. Input Costs are Rising
Raising cattle is more expensive than ever. Feed, fuel, land, vet care, and labour costs have all gone up - especially due to drought, inflation, and supply chain disruptions.
For small local farms, these rising expenses make it harder to stay sustainable without adjusting prices. When you buy local, you’re helping farmers cover these essential costs while still delivering top-quality, ethically raised beef.
What It Means for You
While prices have increased slightly, what hasn’t changed is our commitment to quality, transparency, and supporting the local food system. When you shop with us, you're still getting:
- Free-range, ethically treated beef from local farms
- No middlemen—you’re buying directly from a local processor and butcher
- A more traceable and sustainable (and better tasting) alternative to mass-market meat
- Support for BC farmers and ranchers who work hard to keep our food system alive
Want to Learn More?
Here are a few great resources if you're curious about what’s happening in the beef industry right now:
- Syngenta Canada - Canadian Cattle Numbers Down
- CTV News - Beef Prices Reach Record High in Canada
- CBC News - Rise in Beef Prices at the Grocery Store and on the Ranch
- Reuters News - Change in Beef Prices
Thank You for Staying Local
We appreciate every one of you who chooses to support our BC-raised meats. We know food prices are a concern for many families right now, and we're doing our best to provide the best quality possible at fair prices.
Have questions? Reach out anytime or visit us in-store. We're always happy to talk more about how your meat is raised, priced, and prepared.
—
The YFM Team