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Salinas, Calif. –Beef it's what for dinner, but maybe not
for much longer. Beef prices are rising quickly; however, Central Coast cattle ranchers aren't seeing the
profit.
Across the nation cattle numbers are at
an all time low in 60 years meaning local cattle ranchers are getting more cash
for every one of their cows.
Scott Violini is a fourth generation
rancher in the Salinas Valley who expects to sell his calves for
fifteen cents higher than he did last year. Ranchers said a higher price tag
doesn't mean a higher profit, because the price tag on grazing lands, gas,
freight, and feed are also up.
"Hay last year was $250 and this year
it's $350. Our inputs have increased so although the market has increased for
our animals our profits stay the same," said Violini.
The Monterey
County Farm Bureau said with rising cattle costs, we can expect to pay a few
dollars more for beef in the grocery store this year.
According to the
Monterey Farm Bureau, the draught in Texas and Oklahoma is responsible for the diminished supply
of grass and water needed for raising cattle.
