The cost of ground beef has risen significantly across the United States in recent years, creating affordability challenges for American consumers who have long considered beef a dietary staple.

Industry forecasts indicate beef prices are expected to climb even higher in 2026, continuing a trend that has put pressure on household food budgets nationwide. The price increases affect what has traditionally been viewed as an accessible protein source for families.

Meanwhile, workers in the beef industry are securing improved compensation. Employees at the Swift Beef Co. plant in Greeley, Colorado, recently reached an agreement with plant owner JBS USA that includes wage increases. The deal represents a victory for workers at one of the major meatpacking facilities in the state.

The Swift plant in Greeley is operated by JBS USA, a subsidiary of the Brazilian multinational JBS S.A., one of the world's largest meat processing companies. The facility plays a significant role in beef production for the regional and national markets.

The convergence of rising consumer prices and improving worker wages highlights the economic pressures facing different segments of the beef supply chain. While consumers grapple with higher costs at grocery stores, meatpacking workers are advocating for better compensation in a physically demanding industry.