Cambridge Tribune in Cambridge, Maryland

Meat prices surge across the nation amid high demand

Retail beef prices jumped to near record levels as heavy foreign purchases and higher feed costs pushed costs upward. Scranton markets quoted steak at 1.00 to 1.25 per pound, New York shoppers faced 72 to 90 cents, and Philadelphia noted record highs amid shortages. Industry leader Jack Kranis cited overseas buyers paying up to 4 cents more per pound as the main driver.