Australia’s Drought Bringing the Beef to McDonald’s, Carl’s Jr.

Australia’s dry spell and a strengthening El Nino are proving a boon for U.S. hamburger lovers.

Queensland’s most widespread drought ever is sending a near record number of cattle to feedlots as ranchers cull cows at the fastest pace in more than three decades. That’s boosting beef exports to an all-time high, including a more than 70 percent surge in shipments to the U.S., government data show, with most of that destined to become burgers.