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Story summary
- The U.S. cattle herd shrank to its smallest size in 75 years due to drought, rising costs, and an aging workforce, driving beef prices higher.
- In 2025, Americans spent $45 billion on beef as prices rose from $8.40 to $10.10 per pound.
- Ranchers Will Harris and Cole Bolton say the contraction hurts consumers most.
- U.S. President Donald Trump has temporarily expanded beef imports from Argentina to ease prices.
