Beef
USDA’s Ranchers First Initiative includes new risk management tools, processing programs and efforts to rebuild the American beef herd.
The president says his administration is preparing new steps for producer processing while moving forward with reduced-tariff beef imports.
Growth in replacement heifer numbers suggests herd rebuilding may be starting, though overall beef cow supplies remain tight.
USDA forecasts beef prices will rise 9.8 percent in 2026 as cattle producers push back against a proposal to increase foreign beef imports.
Reduced live cattle exports are shifting more animals into Mexico’s domestic beef supply chain.
The timing of additional imports could put pressure on cattle prices as producers decide whether to expand their herds.
The December trade mission will connect American agriculture with buyers in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
New tariffs are raising concerns as longstanding USMCA market access issues continue.
Farm leaders say the timing of additional imports could put pressure on cattle prices.
Higher beef imports could add short-term supplies while slowing U.S. herd rebuilding.