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
Potash has seen the most significant decline, falling 11 percent over the same five-year period.
FarmHER Christina Woerner McInnis is revolutionizing soil health in Alabama with SoilKit, a cutting-edge tool.
China’s buying decisions continue to be a critical factor in shaping cotton prices and export opportunities worldwide.
Lower inventories and cautious farrowing plans suggest tighter hog supplies into 2026, keeping producer margins sensitive to demand trends and health risks.
Secretary Rollins’ plan targets high costs, labor challenges, and export growth, delivering relief at home while building markets abroad.
Michigan corn farmer and NCGA Vice President-Elect Matt Frostic will lead the task force. He joined us on Thursday to share his insights on the escalating corn crisis.
Speaking about his administration’s tariff strategy, Trump acknowledged that producers could face financial strain in the short term but promised stopgap support.
Rising cow numbers and higher yields are boosting milk supplies, which may keep pressure on prices and farm margins into the fall.
U.S. soybean farmers are growing increasingly frustrated by Argentina’s gains in Chinese grain contracts and Trump’s pledge of economic support for the South American ally.

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:

National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust said farmers face a challenging year with strong supply, murky trade conditions, and uncertain access to their largest market: China.
RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the state of agribusiness and harvest progress across the U.S. for the week of Monday, September 15, 2025.
U.S. trade talks with China resume, but meat industry leaders say dealing with shifting demand and market uncertainty is nothing new in this side of the ag sector.
Tariffs are pushing up input costs, with fertilizer prices rising $100 per ton and machinery costs climbing due to steel and parts duties.
Harvested acres are estimated at 90.0 million, making this year’s corn crop one of the largest since the 1930s.
U.S. producers are holding off on equipment investments amid financial pressure, market uncertainty, a rising demand for diesel, and growing desperation for trade wins.