LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD NEWS) — A proposal branded “Make America More Ground Beef” is being promoted to lower grocery-store prices, but the economics suggest its primary impact would fall elsewhere. Hyrum Egbert, author of The Big Bad Beef Packer newsletter, argues the plan functions less like consumer relief and more like a buyout-style support mechanism for dairies under margin pressure.
Proponents claim that diverting up to one million additional dairy-origin cattle to slaughter could add more than a billion pounds of lean trim and sharply reduce ground beef prices. Egbert notes that math does not hold up. Typical dairy cow yields translate to closer to 200 pounds of lean trim per head, not the 1,100 pounds implied, dramatically shrinking the potential supply boost.
Processing capacity also limits impact. Cow slaughter plants are already operating near normal levels, so pushing additional volume would take months and create regional bottlenecks rather than provide rapid retail relief. Meanwhile, ground beef markets naturally adjust through blending and import substitution, muting price effects.
Egbert concludes that the program would most clearly benefit dairy producers and, conditionally, cow packers, while taxpayers fund the transfer, and consumers see limited sustained relief.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Policies aimed at ground beef prices may primarily reshape dairy incentives rather than deliver lasting consumer savings.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
As National Advisor, Carson will counsel both President Trump and Secretary Rollins on nutrition, healthcare access in rural areas, and housing. He will also serve as a key member of the MAHA Commission.
September 24, 2025 02:08 PM
·
What is it like working cattle with an outbreak of New World Screwworm so close to home? Wayne Cockrell, with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, joined us on Wednesday to discuss.
September 24, 2025 12:29 PM
·
September 24, 2025 10:23 AM
September 23, 2025 03:34 PM
UNL Animal Science Ph.D candidate Anna Kobza joined us on Tuesday’s
Market Day Report to share her agriculture story and tips for other producers hoping to share their ag stories online or with the media.
September 23, 2025 03:24 PM
·
Herd rebuilding looks slow, keeping cattle prices supported; beef-on-dairy crosses help fill feedlots, while imports temper—but don’t erase—tightness.
September 23, 2025 01:32 PM
·
Rollins says the new trade relationship with Taiwan, which is committed to buying a significant amount of U.S. soy, could not come at a better time for farmers facing financial strain.
September 23, 2025 11:06 AM
·
The three-point plan was announced during remarks at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
September 23, 2025 10:44 AM
·
Farmers may benefit from higher turkey prices this holiday season, but risks from HPAI and limited poult placements could further strain the supply.
September 23, 2025 10:35 AM
·
