News reports from the western United States occasionally report incidents of cattle ranchers slaughtering a large number of newborn calves and burying them in mass graves rather than transporting them to markets. Assuming that this is rational behavior by profit-maximizing "firms," explain what economic factors may influence such behavior.

Profit-Maximizing Firms

Businesses that operate with the primary goal of maximizing their profit, which is achieved by increasing income while minimizing costs.

Economic Factors

The various external factors, such as inflation, interest rates, and unemployment, that influence the performance of the economy.

Cattle Ranchers

Individuals or businesses engaged in the raising and breeding of cattle for meat or milk production.