Written by: Emma Hamlin, Policy Intern
On September 4, 2026, President Donald J. Trump signed two Executive Orders to strengthen the American cattle industry and support the ranchers who help feed our nation. The actions, announced alongside additional initiatives from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, build upon the USDA’s Ranchers First Initiative and broader efforts to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd.
The announcement comes at a critical time for the livestock industry. According to USDA, the United States is currently maintaining its smallest cattle herd since the 1950s, making herd expansion and ranch profitability key priorities for agricultural policymakers.
Supporting America’s Ranchers
One of the Executive Orders focuses on helping ranchers address livestock predation. The order directs the Department of the Interior to evaluate whether gray wolves and Mexican wolves should be removed from the list or reclassified under the Endangered Species Act. It also calls for updates to compensation programs for livestock losses and seeks to simplify the process for authorizing predator removal when necessary.
For many ranchers, predator losses represent a significant financial burden. The administration argues that these changes will provide producers with additional tools to protect their livestock while ensuring that compensation programs better reflect actual losses.
Greater Transparency Through Country of Origin Labeling
The second major component of the Executive Orders addresses Country-of-Origin Labeling. Building upon USDA’s voluntary “Product of USA” labeling initiative, the order directs USDA and the Office of the United States Trade Representative to review authorities related to mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef products and develop potential regulatory and legislative recommendations.
Supporters of country-of-origin labeling have long argued that consumers deserve clear information about where their food is produced and that American ranchers should receive recognition for raising high-quality U.S. beef. America First consumers want to know where our food comes from!
Promoting Fair Competition in Livestock Markets
The Executive Orders also seek to increase competition within the livestock marketplace. USDA has been directed to prioritize investigations into potential violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act, increase enforcement resources, and strengthen coordination with the Department of Justice.
These efforts are designed to ensure that ranchers have access to competitive markets and are not disadvantaged by excessive concentration in the meatpacking industry.
Expanding Market Access for Small Processors
Small and regional meat processors also stand to benefit from today’s announcements. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has been directed to expand programs that allow more state-inspected meat products to be sold across state lines. The department will also establish a “one-stop shop” for technical assistance and work to modernize regulations affecting small processors.
These changes could provide additional processing capacity, improve competition, and create more marketing opportunities for livestock producers across rural America.
Additional USDA Actions
Alongside the Executive Orders, Secretary Rollins announced several new actions under the Ranchers First Initiative. These include enrolling nearly one million additional acres into the Grasslands Conservation Reserve Program, expanding remote grading programs that utilize technology to improve efficiency and transparency, increasing adoption of instrument-enhanced grading systems, and refocusing USDA resources to address agricultural lawfare and eminent domain disputes affecting ranchers.
These actions build upon previous efforts announced through the Ranchers First Initiative, including new risk management tools, support for processing infrastructure, disaster recovery assistance, and initiatives designed to encourage the next generation of American ranchers.
Looking Ahead
For many in agriculture, today’s announcements represent far more than a series of policy changes. They represent hope.
These actions truly show a heartfelt dedication to the hardworking people behind America’s food. It’s inspiring to see a focus on supporting farmers and ranchers, especially during challenging times when rising costs and uncertainties try to weigh them down. The recognition of agriculture as a national priority offers a lot of hope and encouragement. We have seen the incredible work that Secretary Rollins has done in the USDA to put American Farmers and Ranchers first, which is why I’m genuinely excited about the positive steps the President is taking to uplift rural communities and invest in the future of the beef industry. They truly deserve it!
While the success of these initiatives will ultimately be measured by their implementation and long-term impact, today’s actions offer a hopeful and inspiring vision for the future. For the hardworking ranching families who dedicate every day to feeding America, the message is heartfelt: their efforts matter deeply, their challenges are truly recognized, and their future continues to be a top priority for all of us.
The livestock industry remains a vital part of American agriculture, supporting vibrant rural communities, providing high-quality food, and making a meaningful contribution to our economy. Today’s Executive Orders and USDA actions mark another positive step in the broader effort to rebuild the Great American Beef Herd, open up new market opportunities, and ensure our ranchers have the resources they need to stay productive and successful for generations to come.
For more information about the USDA’s plans for the American Beef Industry, please read the white paper here.
