The United States is expected to experience a decrease in cattle inventory in 2023 due to droughts caused by the La Niña phenomenon, leading to increased slaughter numbers. This trend, which has been ongoing since 2018, has resulted in higher beef slaughter numbers and lower bovine inventory. The extent of the production decline in 2023 depends on the improvement of dry conditions. The drought has also resulted in more heifers being culled and higher meat prices, which are expected to continue to rise due to tight supplies in the next 3-4 years. This situation could potentially increase export opportunities for countries like Australia, as the U.S. seeks to make up for the production shortfall.