Your Fourth of July hamburger meat was likely imported — and you’re right to have a beef with that

Beef imports accounted for approximately 13 percent of U.S. beef supply in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Major sources included Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. The price of ground beef at retail increased 8 percent year-over-year in June 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Domestic cattle producers cited increased feed costs and drought conditions affecting grazing land as factors contributing to higher production expenses. The USDA reported that domestic beef production declined 2 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year.

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