American ranchers are currently dealing with the smallest cattle herd seen in 75 years. In response to this challenge, President Trump announced plans on Friday to suspend beef tariffs on imported ground beef for a period of 90 days. This move aims to lower beef prices and help in the rebuilding of the U.S. cattle herd.
On Friday, Trump disclosed his strategy to waive elevated tariffs on beef imports, allowing for up to 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef to be sold at a 25% discount compared to current market prices. For context, a pound of USDA Choice beef was priced at an average of $10.49 back in August.
Trump expressed his belief that this deal would make beef more affordable for Americans, while also providing the necessary room for the “Great American Beef Herd” to grow again, as he noted on Truth Social.
According to the USDA, the U.S. began 2026 with only 86.2 million cattle and calves, marking the smallest herd since the 1950s—a drop from approximately 94.7 million in 2019.
The CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Colin Woodall, voiced his disappointment with Trump’s announcement. He remarked, “While America’s cattle producers share the goal of keeping groceries affordable for consumers, flooding the market with government-subsidized, below-market beef is not the way to rebuild the American cattle herd.”
Additionally, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall cautioned that Trump’s approach could result in a 60% increase in beef imports over the next three months. He acknowledged the president’s intention to reduce grocery costs but expressed concerns that short-term fixes could have lasting negative repercussions for both consumers and ranchers contemplating herd expansion or retention. Duvall emphasized the risks of increasing reliance on foreign food sources, which could jeopardize food security.
Amidst these developments, ranchers across the U.S. are grappling with various issues contributing to the current cattle shortage. For instance, Travis Maddock, a rancher from North Dakota, pointed out that drought conditions are particularly tough for ranchers in the Midwest. He stated, “There’s an appetite for expansion, but we are in a drought. Some of my fellow producers that I’ve spoken with, they’re going to hold off a year.”
In contrast, ranchers in the Southeast face different challenges. Trevor Pennington, based in Williamsport, Tennessee, mentioned that excessive rainfall has created problems. “Most people think rain is good for a farmer or rancher, and typically it is, but there can be too much. It keeps us out of the fields from cutting hay. Then the animals don’t get the vitamins and nutrients that they need out of the grass,” Pennington explained.
Furthermore, Pennington highlighted the pressing issue of rapid urban development in Middle Tennessee. Many farmers and ranchers find themselves compelled to sell their land for profit. “The next generation doesn’t want to take on that workload,” he shared. For many, it may seem more beneficial to sell their land and provide financial support to their families.
Lastly, Pennington pointed out that it typically takes around two years to raise a cow for slaughter into beef. This indicates that the task of rebuilding the American cattle herd could easily extend over a decade.
