Gerry Urbaniak has seen a lot of changes in the meat industry.

His parents opened Urbaniak Brothers Quality Meat in Erie in 1929. He is now the co-owner. 

One of the changes he’s seen lately is the rising cost of beef.

“Our beef prices are up substantially,” he said. “Probably up to 18 percent for some of the cuts of beef since about six months ago.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics said beef is now the most expensive it’s ever been. That’s because of things like tariffs and fewer cattle.

“Demand is as good as it was 30 years ago, but we don’t have as many cattle,” Urbaniak said. 

That, he said, has given him no choice but to raise prices.

“We don’t like to raise our prices, and we hate to be the bearers of bad news when our customers ask us how much something costs,” he said. 

Chris Potalivo has noticed the higher prices. He used to live in Erie. He drove to Urbaniak’s from State College.

“I’m 67 years old and one of my earlier memories is coming here in the 60s,” he said. 

Even though he doesn’t buy a lot of beef, he likes the quality of products at smaller stores.

“If they charge a fair price, which they do, I’m not after to save 50 cents or a dollar,” he said. 

Urbaniak thinks beef prices could go down later this year. But that relief might not last long.

“Toward the end of the year is the Christmas holiday and the New Year holiday, so there is a greater demand for prime ribs and filet mignon, and steaks,” he said.

Potalivo advises fellow customers to “shop smart” while prices are high.