U.S. Cattlemen Back Renewed Push for Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labels (MCOOL) on Beef

Enforceable origin labels could create clearer premiums for U.S. cattle and address concerns some producers have had with competition from foreign imported beef.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association says the latest Congressional move to restore mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef could strengthen trust at the meat case and value on the ranch. Clear origin labels — when paired with enforcement — give independent producers a way to differentiate U.S.-raised cattle and give consumers straightforward information, a priority as price sensitivity and provenance concerns remain high.

Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) has reintroduced the Country-of-Origin Labeling Enforcement Act (H.R. 5818), and Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) has signed on in support. USCA leaders note the bill aligns with nearly two decades of the group’s advocacy for transparent, accurate labels. The organization frames MCOOL as a producer-and-consumer win — restoring visibility to U.S. beef while reinforcing confidence in retail labeling.

If Congress advances an enforceable framework, packers and retailers would need consistent segregation and verification, while producers could gain clearer market signals for cattle born, raised, and harvested domestically. USCA says it will continue working with lawmakers and industry groups to advance the effort on behalf of independent cattle producers and rural communities.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Enforceable origin labels could create clearer premiums for U.S. cattle and address concerns some producers have had with competition from foreign imported beef.

Related Stories
According to Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, the top three soy-crushing companies in Bangladesh agreed to buy $1 billion worth of U.S. soybeans over the next year.
RFD-TV’s farm legal expert, Roger McEowen, digs into the details of both the LRP and the LGM programs, two essential risk management tools for cattle producers.
USDA will meet part of November SNAP benefits under court direction, citing insufficient funds for full payments.
Laramie Sandquist discusses Nationwide Agribusiness’s commitment to grain bin safety initiatives, including providing life-saving equipment and training to fire departments across the country.
An import lag for ground beef will likely look different than last year’s egg shortage. The difference comes down to biosecurity and market flexibility.
The WASDE/Crop Production combo will be the first full read on supply, demand, and yield that could move basis and hedging plans since the government shutdown more than a month ago.
A rescheduled WASDE, China’s soybean squeeze, barge bottlenecks, and premium beef demand all collide this week — with cash decisions, basis, and risk plans on the line.
China’s grain expansion model may be hitting its limit. Lower prices, high rents, and policy fatigue threaten future output — with ripple effects across global feed and oilseed markets.
America’s love for burgers depends on open markets. Without lean beef imports, prices would skyrocket, crushing demand and destabilizing the beef industry.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

If confirmed, early Chinese buys tighten nearby Gulf/PNW capacity and could bump basis in export-oriented regions.
Trade pacts with Malaysia and Cambodia unlock tariff-free and preferential lanes for key U.S. farm goods, expanding long-term demand in Southeast Asia.
The review signals renewed scrutiny of China’s agricultural trade pledges and could reshape farm export opportunities depending on its outcome.
The U.S.-Japan tech pact signals long-term investment in bio-innovation, connectivity, and secure supply chains — all of which can strengthen rural manufacturing, ag exports, and digital infrastructure critical to the next generation of farm productivity.
Export volumes remain positive year-to-date, but weaker soybean loadings and slowing wheat movement hint at early bottlenecks in global demand or river logistics. Farmers should watch basis levels and freight conditions as export competition heats up.
Harvest Marches on as River Logistics And Inputs Steer Bids