Total U.S. beef exports came in a little more than $19 billion last year, with more than half going to the three countries facing the most tariffs: Mexico, China, and Canada.
The meat industry says they are just waiting to see how the situation pans out.
“Obviously very concerning at a very high level, but we’ll have to just see how this all plays out because there’s a lot of moving parts and remains to be seen exactly what the potential impact is short term,” said Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
Halstrom says for the long term, they are hoping to get through these tariff issues with minimal impact.
The Meat Institute also wants action, calling for the removal of non-tariff trade barriers, in hopes of opening new markets for meat producers. They warn that retaliatory tariffs from China will stunt growth, and say that UK policies unfairly restrict meat and poultry exports. The group tells U.S. Trade Rep Jamieson Greer they want to work with the Administration, saying they need support to open new markets for producers.
Jennifer Tirey of the Illinois Pork Producers Association joined us to discuss efforts to bring pork back into Chicago Public Schools, the nutritional benefits for students, and what the decision could mean for pork producers across the state.
March 02, 2026 02:23 PM
·
Dry conditions may tighten hay supplies before summer growth. John Mays of Central Life Sciences joined us to discuss the risks of extended grain storage, how quality can be affected over time, and what growers can do to protect their grain while waiting for market opportunities.
March 02, 2026 02:21 PM
·
Heightened Chinese inspections increase trade volatility for U.S. livestock exporters.
March 02, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Record Choice grading levels are changing how beef quality premiums are valued.
February 28, 2026 03:30 PM
·
Britt Hilton with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau joined us to discuss current conditions, producer impacts, and the road to recovery following the Ranger Road Fire.
February 27, 2026 02:18 PM
·
The closure of Lubbock Feeders highlights mounting pressure on the U.S. cattle supply, according to the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, as border restrictions and costs strain feedyards.
February 27, 2026 11:59 AM
·
