Republican Sens. John Hoeven of North Dakota and Chuck Grassley of Iowa are advocating for U.S. beef producers to expand their herds and increase competition within the slaughter industry. Their discussions come as President Donald Trump plans to import 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef, an initiative intended to lower prices for consumers.
Senators Hoeven and Grassley spoke with reporters after Grassley and his wife, Barbara, toured the North Dakota Capitol on Wednesday. The Grassleys had previously visited the Minnesota Capitol and were en route to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library at Medora.
Senator Grassley expressed concern that the president's announcement last month could deter the investment necessary to grow the U.S. cattle herd, which is currently at a 75-year low. Grassley noted to reporters that "All the money that it takes to restore the number of cattle we need to have a balance between production and consumer prices is going to have to come with increased numbers."
Senator Hoeven affirmed their commitment, stating the goal is to work with ranchers to expand herds, enhance competition in the slaughter sector, and resolve supply-chain challenges. He added that the senators also lauded other Trump administration and farm bill proposals aimed at bolstering herd supply. These proposals include allowing greater flexibility for the Conservation Reserve Program, enabling more land to be grazed and cut for hay.
Additional policies supported by the senators target increasing competition for the “big four” meatpackers by backing local or small-scale processing and slaughter operations. They also advocate for labeling requirements to inform consumers whether they are purchasing imported or U.S. beef. These efforts come as beef producers have reportedly expressed disappointment regarding a Trump tariff suspension.
Despite the low herd numbers, improvements in feeding practices and genetics led to a record 28.4 billion pounds of beef produced in 2022. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that ground beef has recently reached record average prices in the U.S., climbing as high as $7.14 a pound in June.
Drought conditions have significantly impacted cattle across the nation. A U.S. Department of Agriculture report indicated that approximately 60% of U.S. cattle were in drought areas as of September 1. In North Dakota, the impact was even more severe, with 82% of cattle located in drought-affected areas, according to the same report. As of January 1, North Dakota held 1.73 million head of cattle and calves, contributing to the U.S. total of over 86 million head at that time.
