JBS shutdowns put pressure on U.S. beef as cattle prices rise
JBS USA will close its Souderton, PA, and Memphis, TN, meat plants on August 14, cutting 1,693 jobs as tight cattle supplies drive negative U.S. beef margins; USDA data show beef prices up 14.8% year-over-year and forecast to rise another 12.1% in 2026, signaling ongoing cost pressure for packers and consumers.