BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Rising beef prices are squeezing both consumers and local businesses as the U.S. cattle herd reaches its smallest size in more than 70 years.

Pedro Aguilar, owner of Fresco Meat Market, has watched beef prices fluctuate dramatically throughout 2025, with some items jumping by a full dollar in just one week.

"It went up one week, actually, it went up one whole dollar, one of the items, one whole dollar in one week. Usually, you don't see the rise like that so quick, but it went up one whole dollar in one week and it kept going up," Aguilar said.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ground beef prices rose 11.5% and beef steak prices increased 12% compared to this time last year. Aguilar says a chuck roll of Angus that used to sell for $3.99 per pound

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