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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jack Dura

EXPLAINED: Could more cattle cause record beef prices to drop ranchers say it s not that simple | Vintage Vibes

Beef Prices Ranchers - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

It’s never been so expensive for Americans to buy a steak or hamburger, but cutting those costs requires ranchers like Stephanie Hatzenbuhler to raise more cattle — and that's not an easy ask.

For a host of reasons, Hatzenbuhler and other ranchers across the country are reluctant to grow the national herd — now its smallest in more than 75 years — and until they do so, demand will outweigh supply, and beef prices will likely remain high.

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