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Prolonged drought conditions have driven Oklahoma's cattle inventory to its lowest level in decades, leading to a sharp rise in beef prices. Experts say wholesale beef costs have jumped 18% this year, while consumer prices for beef and veal are up more than ten-percent since June. With fewer cattle and strong demand, grocery shoppers are feeling the impact. Processing and transportation costs, largely tied to plants in Texas and Kansas, are adding to the price hikes. Economists expect supplies to remain tight for at least another year.