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Story summary
- U.S. Department of Agriculture reports beef production fell to about 14.4 billion pounds Jan-July 2026, down from 15.2 billion.
- Cattle slaughter declined to 16.2 million during Jan-July 2026, versus 17.5 million in the same period 2025.
- Will Harris, owner of White Oak Pastures in Georgia, says financial pressure forced many cattle farmers to liquidate herds.
- Harris warns the United States is becoming a larger net importer of beef and urges consumers to buy locally.
