Donald Trump signs executive orders to support U.S. cattle industry

President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at strengthening the American cattle industry and supporting ranchers. The measures are designed to rebuild the nation’s cattle herd, which is currently at its smallest size since the 1950s.

One order focuses on predator management, directing federal agencies to review the status of gray and Mexican wolves under the Endangered Species Act and updating compensation standards for ranchers who lose livestock. The second order addresses country-of-origin labeling, tasking the USDA with reviewing mandatory labeling requirements for beef products to provide consumers with more information.

To increase market competition, the administration plans to expand opportunities for small and regional meat processors, allowing producers to bypass the dominance of large meatpacking companies. Trump noted that these large processors, including two Brazilian-owned entities, have functioned as a monopoly that harms farmers and ranchers. The USDA will also prioritize investigations into potential violations of the Packers in Stockyards Act in coordination with the Department of Justice.