Sen. Chuck Grassley is calling on other countries to get on board with buying U.S. beef

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is complaining about the EU and their lack of live cattle imports from the United States.

In a call with reporters, he said American beef is the “gold standard” and other countries need to get on board with buying it up.

“In the meantime, we should continue pursuing deals like the recent agreement in principle with the United Kingdom. At least they’re going to let us import some beef into that country. This will provide relief to American producers and consumers while adding pressure to the European Union to come to the negotiating table.”

Grassley is calling on the White House to keep the pressure on EU officials. Additional tariffs are paused there until early July.

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins is currently in Rome looking to open new markets and improve existing ones across the EU. She says the U.S. relationship with Italian buyers is worth billions of dollars in trade, but warns U.S. agriculture has been left behind by the European Union. She says the USDA will continue its work to level the playing field. This trip comes on the heels of her visit just two weeks ago to the United Kingdom.

Related Stories
Reliable, clearly graded middle meats still anchor demand; programs that deliver consistent eating quality and simple, confidence-building menus capture more repeat visits—and more value—back through the beef chain.
Beef demand could be influencing other economic sectors, as consumers adjust spending habits to prioritize higher-priced beef products.
The USDA’s August Cold Storage report shows shifting stock levels across major dairy, meat, and poultry products.
Strong corn exports are anchoring U.S. trade, while soybean sales remain steady, but shipments lag.
On this week’s episode of FarmHER + RanchHER, host Kirbe Schnoor travels to Wilson’s ranch to see how she blends tradition and technology to raise elite Red Angus cattle.
Fewer placements and historically low marketings point to tighter cattle supplies ahead, with Nebraska and Kansas gaining ground as Texas feedlots face supply pressure and the threat of New World Screwworm.
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.
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.
Herd rebuilding looks slow, keeping cattle prices supported; beef-on-dairy crosses help fill feedlots, while imports temper—but don’t erase—tightness.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The proposal signals a renewed push to offset tariff-driven losses, stabilize nutrition programs, and broaden eligibility for farm aid, though its path forward will depend on congressional negotiations.
The application deadline is March 8, 2026. The 1890 National Scholars Program aims to encourage students at 1890 land-grant universities to pursue careers in food, agriculture, and natural resource sciences.
Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features swine competition with top exhibitors, including Grand Champion Brinley Wilson, ahead of Saturday’s premium sale.
Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana discusses how the Affordable Homes Act will benefit rural communities, and her broader efforts to improve access to affordable housing.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.