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NCBA president-elect says supply demand justifies beef prices

The president-elect of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association contends retail beef is appropriately priced. 

Gene Copenhaver, who operates a stocker operation in southwest Virginia, says supply and demand justifies what consumers are paying for beef.

“We don’t think it’s too high. As a producer, we think it’s demand and supply. And if you look at inflation, we think it’s right where it probably needs to be.”

Speaking to Brownfield at the Minnesota Cattle Industry Convention in St. Cloud, Minnesota Friday, he said there could be some price manipulation at the retail level.

“I’m not sure retailers aren’t adding something to it from the producers. But we still think beef is a bargain for the quality protein (and) nutritional value you have with it, it’s still a bargain.”