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Steve Cook feeds his cattle grain at his 700-acre ranch, where he employs military veterans transitioning into the civilian life. VERONICA BUTLER | DISPATCH RECORD -
Cook’s cattle roam the ranch eating grass and hay until they are about 10 months old. VERONICA BUTLER | DISPATCH RECORD
Beef. Made from cows. Loved by humans. So why does it cost between $4 and $6 per pound for this humble yet delicious product?
“Meat prices are going up, and so is the cost of producing beef, but cattle prices at the sales barn do not go up like the retail cuts at the store,” Lampasas County rancher Steve Cook said.
The beef market is dominated by four major corporations, the rancher said. They…