Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer

The order directs federal agencies to address the rising cost of beef for American consumers. It responds to challenges such as severe droughts, wildfires, and import restrictions, which have resulted in the U.S. cattle herd shrinking to record lows and beef prices reaching an average of $6.69 per pound in December 2025. Despite these higher prices, U.S. demand for beef remains strong, with a record high of 4.64 billion pounds of beef imported in 2024.