08/22/2026
Virginia’s cattle producers understand the desire to provide relief to consumers facing higher grocery prices. However, increasing beef imports without addressing the underlying challenges facing the U.S. cattle industry is not a long-term solution.
American cattle producers have weathered years of drought, rising input costs and historically low cattle inventories. Strong cattle prices are providing much-needed stability and giving producers an opportunity to rebuild their herds. Policies that create uncertainty or artificially pressure cattle prices could undermine that progress and make it more difficult for farmers and ranchers to invest in the future.
Our cattle producers need confidence that the investments they make today will support their operations for years to come. Rebuilding the U.S. cattle herd takes time—it cannot happen overnight. Increasing reliance on foreign beef may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the supply challenges contributing to higher prices or strengthen our domestic cattle industry.
We believe the best path toward an abundant, affordable and reliable beef supply is to strengthen American agriculture. That means removing barriers that make it more difficult for cattle producers to expand, addressing high costs for fuel, feed, equipment and financing, and creating an environment that encourages producers to retain heifers and rebuild the national herd.
Virginia’s farmers stand ready to work with the administration on solutions that support consumers while strengthening the American cattle industry. A strong domestic food supply benefits everyone.
