"The American beef supply is measured by head of cattle, and that number is currently the lowest it's been since the early 1950s. Entering 2026, the U.S. cattle count was around 86 million cows, which is down 10% from the late 2010s."
"Across the American West, ranchers depend heavily on grasslands to feed their cattle, and years of low rainfall have meant ranges have less grass and feed to support larger populations."
"The price of beef has increased 50% since 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. The cost of raising cattle has increased even more."
The U.S. beef industry is facing challenges as domestic cattle production declines, with imports increasing by over 80% in four years. The cattle count is at its lowest since the 1950s, down 10% from the late 2010s. Drought in key cattle-producing regions has reduced available feed, leading ranchers to slaughter breeding cows, resulting in fewer calves. Economic factors also contribute, with beef prices rising 50% since 2021, while the cost of raising cattle has increased even more, impacting supply.
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