(NAFB.com) – Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins and other Cabinet officials announced multiple actions they say will strengthen the American beef industry, reinforcing and prioritizing the American rancher’s critical role in U.S. national security. “Since 2017, the U.S. has lost over 17 percent of cattle ranches, totaling more than 150,000 operations,” Rollins said. “The national herd is at a 75-year low, while consumer demand is up nine percent in the last decade.” Because rebuilding the herd takes time, the USDA will invest in the markets to make them less volatile over the long term for ranchers and make food more affordable for consumers. The plan for protecting and improving ranching includes strengthening the foundation of U.S. cattle production through endangered species reforms, enhanced disaster relief, increased grazing access, increased access to capital, and affordable risk management tools. The agency will also work to grow the domestic herd while boosting domestic and international demand simultaneously.
