08/23/2026
Why are so many cattle producers frustrated right now? This picture right here is part of the reason.
Every cow standing on that hill represents years of work, investment, breeding decisions, feed, hay, vet bills, fencing, fuel, equipment, and countless hours spent caring for them.
You don’t build a cattle herd in 90 days.
Every cow in this picture had to be born and raised. A replacement heifer needs time to mature before she can be bred. Then comes roughly nine months of pregnancy before she delivers a calf. That calf then needs another year or more of care and growth before it is ready for the beef supply—or, if she’s a good heifer, she may be kept back to become another mama and help grow the herd.
That’s how American beef is produced. One generation at a time.
So when we’re told beef prices can be “fixed” quickly by importing more beef, it’s frustrating. I understand wanting cheaper groceries. We’re consumers too, and we see those prices every time we walk into a store.
But flooding the market with imported beef isn’t a long-term solution to rebuilding America’s cattle supply.
If we truly want a stronger beef industry and affordable beef for generations to come, then let’s invest in the cattle standing on American soil. Let’s support the families willing to keep heifers back, grow their herds, raise calves and take the financial risk of waiting years to see a return.
Because farmers aren’t immune to inflation either. Feed, fuel, fertilizer, equipment, parts, fencing and veterinary costs have all climbed. Yet every morning, those cattle still need fed and cared for.
This isn’t about Republican versus Democrat. I don’t care which political party introduces the policy. This is about American agriculture.
When I look at this picture, I don’t just see a group of cows standing on a hill.
I see generations.
I see years of work.
I see our family’s investment and livelihood.
And most importantly, I see something we’re working hard to make sure our children have the opportunity to continue someday.
American cattle producers aren’t the obstacle standing between consumers and affordable beef.
We’re the ones raising it.
And for those of us who have poured our hearts, money, time and lives into keeping cattle on these hills, protecting the future of the American cattle industry is a damn big deal. 🇺🇸🐂
Support American beef. Support American farmers. Build the American herd.
AmericanBeef 🇺🇸🐂
