Cattlemen react to President Trump’s tariff announcement and his trade agenda

President Trump announced a slew of reciprocal tariffs earlier this week, and it is receiving mixed reviews from the agriculture industry.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane says he is not sure why anyone is surprised by the announcement and talks about the opportunities for the cattle industry.

Lane also stressed why trade is vital to the industry and calls out Australia.

What do cattlemen want from a Trump Administration trade agenda?

Lane provides an update on the Mexican feeder cattle situation.

Related Stories
The USDA opened a new sterile fly-dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in South Texas to prevent a potential outbreak of New World screwworm and protect the small U.S. cattle herd.
Cuba remains a steady, nearby buyer of U.S. poultry, pork, dairy, and staples, but legal and compliance risks could still affect shipping and payment channels.
Tight cattle supplies favor poultry and pork while keeping beef margins under pressure.
While access to China remains uncertain, U.S. beef exporters are finding resilience and opportunity in other global markets, which could help maintain industry value and expand export opportunities.
Mike Spier, president and CEO of U.S. Wheat Associates, discusses the new U.S.-Bangladesh trade agreement and its potential benefits for U.S. wheat growers.
Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

FFA Alumni Shelby Humbarger shares how the program helped her navigate personal loss, build lasting relationships, and find her passion for agricultural education.
The National Turkey Federation says it supports a vaccine strategy but warns that trade and logistical challenges could arise.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.