Hmmm.... the herd size is adequate. The cost of beef to the consumer is “high”, apparently for many, us, too expensive.
So if we try to determine why the beef has become too expensive, we must start at the beginning. The individual cow.
How much has the cost of creating a calf and raising it to the market increased? Why?
If the supply of marketable cattle is greater than demand, then the excess supply must be sold at a reduced price. If a reduced price is less than the rancher’s cost, then unprofitably existing may cease altogether. Beef will just disappear
John Lovell just had a guest on his show discussing this very thing.
https://youtu.be/Z2SBCx4Qn9A?si=LXuJBqSkLtoYPL0C