Veal Prices Remained High as Beef Herd Stabilized
Shifting livestock supply chains and rising feed costs have kept prices for veal elevated for consumers nationwide.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Vegetarian
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The U.S. beef herd has reached its lowest level since the 1960s, a historic shift that has contributed to record-high veal prices. As the industry grapples with these supply changes, consumers have seen veal sales volume decrease by 3.3% between 2025 and 2026.
Why it matters
High calf prices and rising costs for feed, including whey powder, have driven veal to record price levels. These market dynamics mean that veal remains more expensive for shoppers as producers navigate a tighter supply of calves.
Industry data indicates that whey powder, which comprises 50% of a calf's diet, nearly doubled in price between 2023 and 2026. This cost increase, paired with a significant reduction in the availability of calves, has sustained record veal prices.
The details
Dairy farms are increasingly using beef-on-dairy crossbreeding to produce calves for the broader beef supply chain, reducing the pool of calves available for veal production. These crossbred calves command a $400 to $500 premium over traditional Holstein bull calves. Furthermore, veal producers continue to rely on industry-standard, group-raised, non-tethered housing for their operations.
Timeline
The U.S. beef herd has not been this small since the 1960s.
Whey powder prices rose from $0.3617 per pound in 2023 to $0.6644 in 2026.
Veal sales volume saw a 3.3% decrease between 2025 and 2026.
Elevated veal prices are projected to continue through the end of 2026.
Health Landscape
The current state of the U.S. beef herd marks a significant departure from historical supply norms observed since the 1960s. This shift forces a broader realignment of how dairy and beef sectors coordinate to meet consumer demand.
Shoppers may notice consistently higher prices at the grocery store when purchasing veal throughout the remainder of 2026. It is worth evaluating your household budget and nutritional needs when considering if animal-based proteins fit into your current dietary plan.
The takeaway
The record-high price of veal is largely linked to the stabilization of the national beef herd and increased costs of feed. Consumers can track these broader market trends to better understand price fluctuations when shopping for specialty meats.
Further reading
For more on the current shifts in meat alternatives and animal-product consumption, visit Vegetarian.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Home - National Provisioner.
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