"US Cattle Inventory Reaches Record Low, Impact on Beef Industry"

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that the American beef cattle inventory has hit a record low, with nationwide numbers dropping to the lowest level since the 1970s due to persistent drought, high input costs, and inflation. Ranchers are facing challenges as demand for beef remains strong, but costs have escalated, leading to rising prices for consumers. Farmers in states like Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, California, and Oklahoma have been particularly affected, with feed prices soaring and some having to reduce their herd size.