Higher meat prices coming.

The extended drought in the U.S. Plains states has caused beef cattle producers to sell cows. In the short term this sell-off has kept beef prices steady, but eventually this will end and beef prices will increase as fewer cows means fewer calves born to be fattened.  U.S. beef cow inventory declined 3.1 percent in 2011 and the decline continued throughout 2012. Last April, the 2012 U.S. calf crop stood at 35 million head, the lowest in 60 years (Drovers Cattle Network, April 6, 2012).

With the short supply and increasing exports, beef prices will continue rising (Reuters, February 8, 2013). High beef prices will force consumers to turn to other meats, causing those prices to rise as well. Even if the drought ended today, it would take at least three to five years to replace the cows lost and to reach calf numbers equal to pre-drought production.

God warned the descendants of Israel that drought and a loss of cattle production would be some of the results of disobeying Him. “Cursed shall be the fruit of your body and the produce of your land, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks” (Deuteronomy 28:18). “The LORD will change the rain of your land to powder and dust; from the heaven it shall come down on you until you are destroyed” (v. 24).

For more on these prophecies, review our booklet, Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ’s Return.