Beef Producers Respond to the USDA’s Plans to Address Current Shortage and Control Costs
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins unveiled a comprehensive USDA plan to strengthen the U.S. beef industry. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump sparked controversy with online remarks about tariffs, markets and beef imports.
The USDA initiative aims to stabilize cattle markets, rebuild the national herd and safeguard ranchers’ role in national security. Since 2017, the U.S. has lost over 17% of family farms. This includes more than 100,000 operations. The national herd has fallen to a 75-year low despite a 9% rise in consumer demand for beef.
Rollins said the plan focuses on making beef markets less volatile and more affordable for consumers. It includes three key priorities:
- Protecting ranchers’ livelihoods through expanded grazing access including USFS and BLM vacant allotments, more substantial disaster relief, greater capital access, deregulatory reforms and affordable risk management tools.
- Expanding processing and market transparency by lowering inspection costs for small processors, improving “Product of USA” labeling and ensuring consumers receive accurate product information.
- Building long-term demand and supply by boosting domestic herd numbers, promoting protein in dietary guidelines and supporting farm-to-school programs to reduce market volatility.
Trump claimed on X that tariffs, including a 50% tariff on Brazilian cattle, fueled rancher prosperity. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) disagreed. They argued his plan to increase imports from Argentina could undercut U.S. ranchers, worsen trade imbalances and reintroduce foot-and-mouth disease risks.
The complete USDA plan to fortify the American beef industry can be viewed here.