Republican Sens. John Hoeven of North Dakota and Chuck Grassley of Iowa expressed their commitment to helping U.S. beef producers expand their herds. Their comments came as President Donald Trump plans to import 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef, an initiative intended to lower prices for consumers. The senators spoke with reporters in Bismarck after Senator 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 indicated that the president's announcement last month could deter the investment necessary to increase the U.S. cattle herd, which is currently at a 75-year low. Despite the low herd numbers, improvements in feeding and genetics contributed to a record 28.4 billion pounds of beef produced in 2022. Grassley emphasized to reporters that restoring cattle numbers to achieve a balance between production and consumer prices would necessitate increased financial investment.
Senator Hoeven stated that a fundamental goal is to work with North Dakota ranchers to grow their herds. He also highlighted the importance of increasing competition within the slaughter industry and resolving supply-chain issues affecting producers.
The senators also commended various Trump administration proposals and provisions within the farm bill designed to bolster the herd supply. These include allowing greater flexibility for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), enabling more land to be used for grazing and hay production. Other policies they supported aim to foster more competition for the “big four” meatpackers through local or small-scale processing and slaughter operations. Additionally, the senators backed labeling requirements for meat, ensuring consumers know whether they are purchasing imported or U.S. beef.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that approximately 60% of U.S. cattle were situated in drought-affected areas as of September 1. In North Dakota, the impact was more pronounced, with 82% of cattle located in drought areas, according to the same USDA report. As of January 1, North Dakota's cattle and calves numbered 1.73 million head, while the total U.S. count exceeded 86 million head, as stated by the USDA.
Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that ground beef has reached record average prices across the U.S. in recent months, climbing as high as $7.14 per pound in June. Beef producers have also voiced disappointment regarding a Trump tariff suspension, according to the information provided.
