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
Smaller cow numbers and a declining calf crop point to prolonged tight cattle supplies, limiting near-term herd rebuilding potential.
CattleCon 2026 officially kicks off Tuesday and continues through Thursday, bringing producers together to shape the future of the U.S. cattle industry.
Early indications suggest the U.S. cattle industry may be nearing the end of its liquidation phase. Oklahoma State University livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel says the industry could be at or near the cyclical low.
Beef x Dairy cattle with strong genetics and documentation are earning prices comparable to native feeders.
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
Meat stocks rose seasonally but remain below last year overall, while tighter butter inventories could support dairy prices, and belly stocks warrant close watch for pork markets.
Rising import pressure and tougher export competition are likely to persist into 2026, supporting domestic supplies while capping export growth.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council published a joint press release regarding the advancement of legislation to delist the Mexican Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species Act.
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jake Charleston, with Specialty Risk Insurance, joins us now for an industry update and advice for cattle producers as they consider options for managing the risks of a murky market.
The National Milk Producers Federation will launch a new advocacy campaign to secure a final vote, urging House lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.
AFBF Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis, Dr. John Newton, explains the factors contributing to the growing financial strain in the ag sector and the urgent need for swift economic support.
Tyson’s Nebraska plant closure and falling Cattle on Feed numbers send cattle markets tumbling. Analysts warn of tighter supplies, weak margins, and rising global competition.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller warns horse owners after EHV-1 cases linked to the Waco WPRA Finals. Horses linked to recent Waco events should be isolated and closely monitored, as early action is critical to stopping the spread of EHV-1.