Grilling season brings mixed prices for Texas consumers

Beef remains the most expensive protein heading into grilling season, said David Anderson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agricultural economist and professor in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Agricultural Economics.

Consumer price index data from March showed choice beef averaging more than $10 per pound across a range of cuts, up from roughly $8.75 a year ago, Anderson said.

He said the higher prices primarily stem from the nation’s cattle herd shrinking to its smallest size since 1961, limiting lean beef supplies.

“Fundamentally, nothing’s changing the fact that beef is going to be expensive and more costly than it was last year,” Anderson added. “Tighter supplies, good demand, that’s driving prices.”

However, some prices at wholesale levels have improved, he said. Rib-eye prices recently averaged about $11.50 per pound, down from about $13 a year ago, while New York strip prices remained steady near $10.45 per pound. Tenderloin prices were slightly higher than last year.

Ground beef also continues to climb. Wholesale prices for 90% lean ground beef reached $4.52 per pound last week, compared to $3.75 a year ago.

Pork and chicken offer relief

Pork prices remain relatively stable, Anderson said. Retail pork averaged $4.87 per pound in March, slightly below the $4.95 recorded a year ago.

Wholesale pork rib prices increased to about $1.90 per pound from $1.55 per pound last year because of tighter supplies. Pork trimmings used in sausage production held steady.

Pork bellies, the source of bacon and a growing favorite among backyard smokers, averaged $1.57 per pound wholesale, down slightly from last year. Anderson said retailers are increasingly stocking whole pork bellies as interest in smoking and diverse cooking styles grows.

Chicken may provide the best value, or at least the lowest price, this grilling season, Anderson said.

Retail chicken prices averaged $2.41 per pound in March, slightly below last year’s prices. Wholesale chicken prices dropped more sharply. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts averaged $1.80 per pound last week, down from about $2.75 a year ago. Chicken wings also declined to roughly 90 cents per pound wholesale – a noticeable drop from $1.99 per pound in early 2025 and their peak at $3.80 per pound in 2022.

“What that might suggest is maybe we’ll see some deals come Memorial Day, some specials on chicken, because grocery stores have been able to price some of that in at a lower cost to themselves,” Anderson said. “That benefits us, the shopper.”

Rising costs still concern ranchers

Higher fuel and fertilizer prices continue to pressure poultry, pork and beef producers and the broader food supply chain. Anderson said fertilizer costs raise feed prices for livestock producers by increasing the cost of corn and soybeans.

Diesel prices also affect transportation costs across the industry, from hauling livestock to delivering meat products to grocery stores.

“I don’t think we’ve seen the full effect of that through our food system yet,” Anderson said. “That’s going to affect everything.”

Despite those challenges, Anderson said consumers may still find opportunities to save this summer, particularly on chicken and some pork products.

“But I would expect some special features around the holidays on a lot of items, including beef,” Anderson said. “Folks are going to notice some relatively less expensive pork and chicken versus the beef side.”

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

Panhandle

The district remained under extreme drought conditions as temperatures fluctuated widely and freeze warnings were issued for two nights. Soil moisture levels ranged from very short to short, while pasture and range conditions were rated very poor to poor. Producers continued supplemental feeding for cattle as forage conditions remained limited.

South Plains

Hot, dry and windy conditions persisted across the district, with above-normal temperatures quickly depleting recent moisture. Most areas received little to no rainfall, though isolated storms brought light rain and some hail. Soil moisture remained very limited. Cotton planting and field preparation continued, though dry conditions caused some delays. Producers irrigated corn and prepared fields for summer crops, while wheat was grazed or cut for hay and silage. Peanut planting preparations were underway. Producers remained concerned about continued dry conditions and the viability of dryland crop planting without significant rainfall. Pasture conditions were poor with little forage available. Livestock producers continued supplemental feeding as range grasses were slow to green up.

Rolling Plains

Conditions remained mostly dry and windy, and the district continued to need rainfall. Spotty showers provided only limited relief. Thunderstorms in some counties improved soil moisture, pasture growth and crop outlooks, particularly for corn, Sudan and coastal Bermuda grass. However, producers across the district continued to need consistent rainfall to improve soil moisture, forage production and crop development. Hay production remained poor in many areas, cotton planting was delayed, and wheat yields were expected to be below average. Grazing wheat played out in most areas, and stocker cattle were moved off pasture. Livestock conditions ranged from fair to good depending on rainfall and subsequent grazing.

North

Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels ranged from adequate to surplus. Pasture and range conditions were fair to good, and pastures continued to green up following recent rainfall of 2-4 inches across much of the district. Corn conditions improved significantly with recent rainfall and fertilizer applications. Hay meadows responded well to improved soil moisture, and producers prepared for the first cutting where fertility levels were adequate. Winter wheat and oats progressed toward maturity. Bermuda and Bahia grass pasture growth remained slow due to cool nighttime temperatures. Spring vegetables, especially tomatoes, beans and peas, reached first harvest. Livestock conditions remained good, and producers reported strong winter and spring calf crops. Some Hessian fly damage was reported.

East

Rainfall varied widely across the district. Some counties received 2-3 inches of rain, while others received only light showers or remained dry. Pasture and range conditions were fair to good, and topsoil and subsoil moisture levels were adequate overall. Livestock conditions remained fair to good, and cattle markets stayed strong overall despite slight declines in slaughter cow prices in some areas.

Far West

Conditions remained mostly steady across the district. Light rainfall in some areas provided little long-term benefit to soil moisture. Water availability remained a key concern. Producers continued to face drought and irrigation challenges, especially in irrigated production systems where reservoir levels and snowpack runoff remained critically low. Many operations relied heavily on irrigation wells and treated effluent water despite concerns about salinity impacts on soil health and crop productivity. Pima cotton and alfalfa tolerated conditions better than some crops, while pecan orchards continued to show drought stress and dieback. Cotton planting increased, hay grazer planting was mostly complete, and corn and sorghum continued to progress under favorable temperatures. Some melon fields experienced minor sand burn from high winds and blowing dust. Wheat and oat fields intended for hay were mostly cut and baled. Pasture conditions improved where spring moisture occurred, but producers still needed widespread rainfall to sustain forage growth. Livestock conditions remained fair to good, though supplemental feeding continued due to limited native forage.

West Central

Rainfall and cooler temperatures improved pasture and range conditions across the district, though localized hail and standing water caused some damage. Producers fertilized and sprayed hay fields, but high fertilizer prices continued to strain budgets and could limit hay production this year. Stock tank levels remained acceptable. Corn conditions were mostly good despite isolated late-freeze damage. Wheat harvest began on a limited basis before rainfall delayed operations. Producers expressed concern about preharvest sprouting and poor wheat yields. Cotton progressed slowly due to cool temperatures and excess moisture, and some fields were expected to be replanted because of water damage. Corn leaf aphids were reported in some fields. Wet, cloudy conditions increased fungal disease pressure in fruit and nut trees. Pecan growers applied fungicides to prevent scab issues. Livestock conditions remained good with abundant forage available.

Southeast

Recent rainfall improved soil moisture, forage growth and livestock conditions across much of the district, though persistently wet conditions delayed fieldwork in some counties. Soil moisture levels varied from short to surplus. Some counties remained drier than surrounding areas and continued to need additional rainfall. Corn progress remained strong, with several counties reporting 100% planted and emerged acreage. Rice planting and emergence were also largely complete across major producing counties, with conditions mostly rated good. Sorghum planting was complete in most areas, while cotton planting continued. Pasture and range conditions varied from poor to excellent. Livestock conditions remained mostly stable across the district.

Southwest

Cooler temperatures and overcast conditions prevailed during the week, accompanied by rainfall totals ranging from 1-1.75 inches. Warm-season grasses responded well, and rangelands and pastures remained green and productive. Producers continued fertilization and weed control efforts. Corn and sorghum conditions varied by planting date, with early-planted fields showing uneven development. Hay crops looked good, and oat harvest wrapped up as producers transitioned livestock to pasture. Livestock and wildlife conditions continued to improve, though some supplemental feeding continued.

Coastal Bend

Widespread rainfall improved soil moisture and moderated temperatures across the district. Some fields remained too wet for fieldwork, and additional rain was forecast. Despite favorable moisture conditions, hail and tornadoes damaged about 400 acres of corn and sorghum. Crop conditions generally improved with consistent rainfall. Rice producers maintained or initiated field floods. Cotton, corn and sorghum planting were complete, and late-planted fields looked especially strong. Wheat and oat crops failed this season. Pasture and range conditions improved, and fertilized hay fields neared harvest pending drier weather. Most producers sharply reduced or stopped supplemental feeding as forage conditions improved. Pasture weed spraying continued, and livestock conditions improved overall.

South

Mild temperatures and late-week thunderstorms brought 0.25-1 inch of rainfall across the district, with more rain forecast. Soil moisture remained generally favorable as row crops continued to mature. Cotton progress ranged from seedling to blooming and squaring stages, but many fields were expected to be plowed under due to poor stands. Sesame, sunflower and peanut planting continued, while corn remained in the silking stage. Watermelon harvest began in some early-planted fields. Range and pasture conditions continued to improve with recent rainfall, though more moisture was needed to refill stock tanks and fully restore forage production. Beef cattle conditions improved, though some animals remained in poor body condition and supplemental feeding continued at reduced levels. Feeder cattle prices remained strong. Flies became more problematic, and producers treated livestock accordingly. Wildlife conditions improved with increased green vegetation, while turkey nesting activity and early quail pairing were observed.