President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Friday directing federal agencies to expand market access for ranchers and small meat processors while strengthening enforcement of existing livestock competition laws.
The orders direct the Secretary of the Interior, U.S. Trade Representative, FDA Commissioner, and Small Business Administration Administrator to assess policies affecting ranchers and promote their financial viability. A key provision requires more vigorous enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, a century-old law originally enacted to curb monopolistic practices by the "Big Five" meatpacking firms in the early 20th century.
The actions follow record-high retail beef prices this year, driven in part by a historically low cattle supply due to drought and wildfires. Trump framed the orders as a direct response to concerns about industry consolidation, stating that four corporations—Tyson, Cargill, JBS, and National Beef—currently control 80% to 85% of the U.S. beef market according to watchdog group Farm Action.
Meat processing and interstate sales
The first executive order allows ranchers to process their own livestock and sell meat directly to consumers across state lines, a practice currently restricted under federal food safety laws. The order also directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to modernize meat inspection protocols, focusing on core safety standards while reducing "unnecessary and burdensome requirements" that do not enhance food safety.
A second order requires country-of-origin labeling for imported beef, a policy previously mandated in 2009 but repealed in 2015 after the World Trade Organization ruled against the U.S. following challenges from Canada and Mexico. Under current regulations, meat companies may voluntarily label products as "Product of USA" if the animals were born, raised, and slaughtered domestically.
Wildlife protection and industry support
Trump also signed an order authorizing ranchers to take measures to protect livestock from Mexican gray wolves, a provision announced during a signing ceremony flanked by ranchers and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. Rollins highlighted that the U.S. has lost 600,000 ranchers since 1980, stating, "We cannot continue freedom in America without those who feed us."
Policy mechanisms and implementation
The orders task the USDA with several specific actions:
- Prioritizing investigations into potential violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act
- Increasing federal resources for enforcement and deterrence
- Creating a "one-stop shop" coordinator position within the USDA to expand federal licensing and connect producers with resources
- Establishing a program to bypass major meatpacking corporations and allow direct-to-consumer sales
Trump asserted that the measures would ensure "American meat processed to the highest standard" while lowering costs for consumers. The White House stated the orders aim to increase competition, boost processing efficiency, and add value for ranchers and consumers.
Background: The Packers and Stockyards Act
Enacted in 1921 in response to allegations of unfair trade practices by dominant meatpacking firms, the law prohibits anticompetitive behavior in livestock, meat, and poultry markets. Critics argue enforcement has weakened over time, allowing industry consolidation to persist. Proponents of stricter enforcement contend it would restore balance between large processors and independent producers.
Economic and political context
Rising food prices have become a top voter concern ahead of the November midterm elections, with retail beef prices reaching record highs. Earlier in the week, the Trump administration temporarily increased imports of lower-tariff beef to address price pressures, a move that drew mixed reactions from agricultural stakeholders.
The executive orders follow Trump’s prior actions to temporarily suspend certain tariffs on imported beef and signal a broader push to address food affordability through domestic production policies.