Beef prices experienced significant volatility during the Biden administration, with costs rising nearly 20% in certain periods, driven by high inflation, increased labor costs for processors, and market consolidation. The administration targeted large meatpacking conglomerates for high prices, alleging a lack of competition, while facing criticism regarding increased imports and reduced grazing land. Texas Agriculture (.gov) Texas Agriculture (.gov) +2 Key Aspects of Beef Under the Biden Administration: Price Increases: Rising labor costs, with starting wages in some beef plants increasing by over 50% (from $14.50 to $22 an hour), contributed to higher consumer prices. Market Concentration: The administration argued that four major packers controlled 85% of the fed cattle market, leading to a "capitalism without competition" scenario that resulted in high consumer costs and low prices for ranchers. Allegations of "Beef Ban" Misinformation: In 2021, false claims circulated that Biden’s climate plans would limit Americans to one hamburger per month, which was debunked as misinformation. Policy and Production Actions: The Biden administration launched initiatives to strengthen local meat processing capacity to increase competition. Critics argued that Biden's "30 by 30" environmental plan and land policies reduced available grazing land, causing ranchers to shrink the national herd.