What would be a potential consequence if ranchers could no longer use supplemental hormones?

If ranchers could no longer use supplemental hormones, one potential consequence would indeed be higher land and water usage. Supplemental hormones are often used in beef production to enhance growth rates and feed efficiency. Without the use of these hormones, cattle may require a longer time to reach market weight. This extended growth period would mean that ranchers would need to maintain more animals for a longer duration, which in turn increases the demands for land and water resources for grazing and feed production.

Additionally, with animals potentially taking longer to reach optimal weights, the overall efficiency of the beef production process is reduced, which can compound the need for increased inputs, such as feed and water, to sustain a larger herd size. This scenario highlights the interconnectedness of agricultural practices, animal husbandry, and resource management in the beef industry.