Which factor contributed significantly to the cattle industry's decline?

The decline of the cattle industry can be significantly attributed to insufficient grazing land due to overcrowding. At its peak, the cattle industry experienced an expansion that led to an overstocking of cattle on the ranges. This overpopulation of cattle resulted in overgrazing, which degraded the land and made it unable to support livestock effectively. The depletion of grazing resources not only harmed the ranchers' ability to sustain their herds but also contributed to a broader environmental crisis.

While overproduction of beef did play a role in the industry's dynamics, it was primarily the ecological limitations and the inability of the land to support the cattle that led to serious repercussions. Consumer interest fluctuated based on pricing and availability, and while government regulations can impact agricultural sectors, they were not the foremost reason for the decline compared to the direct environmental challenges posed by overcrowding. Thus, the strain on available grazing land due to overcrowding emerged as a pivotal factor leading to the industry's downturn.