Surging beef prices are threatening to upend America’s favorite summer pastime. With cattle supplies at their lowest levels in 75 years, drought and wildfires have made it tougher than ever for ranchers to rebuild herds—driving up costs for grill masters and home chefs alike.

For the first time since 2022, U.S. gas prices have exceeded $4 per gallon, triggered in part by the Iran war’s impact on global fuel markets. The sudden spike has prompted concerns for both consumers and industry observers.

President Donald Trump’s idea to import beef from Argentina to cut consumer costs has sparked a backlash in Kansas, a state where cattle is a cornerstone of the economy. The Kansas Farm Bureau, representing over 100,000 farmers and ranchers, cautions that the move could disrupt local production and jeopardize farmers’ livelihoods.