Impact of Rising Beef Prices on Texans During Election Season

The cost of living is a major concern for voters as the 2026 midterm elections approach. In Texas, the rising price of beef highlights economic issues. Ground beef prices reached a record high of approximately $7 per pound in August. This is about $1.50 more than during President Trump’s previous term.

Russell Boening, a fourth-generation beef cattle farmer near Floresville, Texas, is among those feeling the impact. Rising fuel costs have significantly affected his expenses, influencing everything from fertilizer prices to seed costs. Boening, who is also the president of the Texas Farm Bureau, spoke about the challenges on his ranch.

Drought conditions have further compounded the issue, reducing beef supply. Despite this, consumer demand remains strong. To combat high prices, the Trump administration removed tariffs on some foreign beef imports. According to Boening, while this policy might aid in reducing prices, it creates short-term pricing challenges for local farmers. Some farmers reportedly lost $400 to $500 per head when selling cattle after the policy announcement.

An analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation revealed that the tariff changes only resulted in a 2% decrease in ground beef prices. In Seguin, Texas, consumers shared their experiences with grocery prices. At an HEB store, many shoppers expressed similar concerns. Sheri Moczygemba stated that although prices are steep, she prefers paying more for quality rather than choosing cheaper alternatives she doesn’t prefer.

At Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin, brisket is priced at $38 per pound. Despite potentially low profits, co-owner Ernest Servantes remains optimistic. When interviewed, he cited a two-hour wait for tables as evidence that consumers value quality as much as quantity.

While the Texas Farm Bureau supports Republican candidates in the Senate and gubernatorial races, some like Servantes remain undecided. Servantes indicates that his vote will support candidates with policies favoring the middle class and small businesses. The sentiment reflects a key issue influencing voter decisions in the state.

The radio interview was conducted by A Martínez and produced by Iman Maani. Adam Bearne provided editorial oversight for the audio format, while Suzanne Nuyen managed the digital version.