If you’ve walked into a grocery store lately and nearly dropped your wallet in the meat aisle—you’re not alone. Ground beef just hit over $6 a pound, and steak is pushing $12. These are record highs, and Red River Parish families are getting grilled.

What’s Causing This Price Surge?

• Cattle numbers are way down – The national herd is the smallest it’s been since the 1950s.

• Feed costs are through the roof – Drought across grazing lands has ranchers selling off animals instead of rebuilding.

• Imports are blocked – Screwworm outbreaks shut down Mexican beef. A 50% tariff hits Brazilian beef Aug. 1.

• Summer demand is ON FIRE – Everyone’s grilling, but supply can’t keep up.

What You Can Do

• Stock up on sales – Freeze now, save later.

• Try other meats – Chicken and pork haven’t skyrocketed (yet).

• Watch store ads – Weekly deals could be your lifeline.

Bottom line? Red River Parish is paying the price for a nationwide beef shortage. And unless herds rebuild fast, that price isn’t coming down anytime soon.