10/23/2025
Our hardworking cattle ranchers are not to blame for the high beef prices in grocery stores. They endure some of the toughest conditions to bring cattle to market and have long struggled to make ends meet. Now that they are finally seeing a modest profit, they are being pressured to lower their prices — and that is unjust.
Part of the reason for high prices at the meat counter isn’t due to ranchers; it’s because our national herd has shrunk to decade-low levels. In the U.S., beef-cow numbers are the lowest since the early 1960s. With fewer cows, fewer calves, and fewer animals available for beef, supply is tight long before the packers take their cut. When we discuss lowering beef costs, let’s not unfairly blame the ranchers. Farmers and ranchers are doing everything they can to provide a high-quality product to American consumers. They do not set the prices — the market does.
If we truly want to reduce beef prices, we should make it easier and more affordable for American ranchers to operate. This has always been a priority for me. In Nebraska, fixing our broken property tax system would greatly benefit all of our farmers and ranchers. Additionally, reducing the cost of business inputs can help them be more profitable. Lowering fuel prices demonstrates how America First policies can benefit not only our farmers and ranchers but the entire food supply chain.
Here in Nebraska, we are the BEEF STATE. Our cattle operations feed America, and they deserve to earn a fair living. I will do everything I can to fight for all of our farmers and ranchers.
