US meat prices surge ahead of Fourth of July cookouts

The American Farm Bureau Federation reports that the cost of a typical Fourth of July cookout for ten people has risen to $73.82, a 4 % increase from last year. The price jump is driven by a 5.5 % rise in the average cost of two pounds of ground beef for 2025, attributed to severe drought, higher fuel and fertilizer costs, and a smaller national herd.

In Las Vegas, shoppers face higher prices across beef, chicken and pork. Butcher Marc Marrone says he has “never seen beef pricing like this before,” noting that fuel costs, labor shortages, fewer meat‑processing facilities and drought‑related livestock reductions are pushing all meat categories higher at once. Both farmers and retailers are passing these added expenses to consumers, making it harder for households to substitute cheaper proteins.