BY: ZION WILLIAMS Capital News Service ACCOKEEK, Md. – The U.S. beef cattle inventory is now at its lowest level since 1961, according to the USDA. An agriculture economist says drought, rising costs, and increased political pressure on the industry are all driving beef prices highe r. One Maryland farmer says rebuilding the nation’s shrinking herd won’t happen quickly but he’s committed to keeping his operation going. ...read more read less