Congress Backs Market Access and Support for Ranchers

By Scout Nelson

More than 50 members of Congress, led by U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas and Rep. Adrian Smith of Nebraska, have called for policies that strengthen market opportunities and provide long-term certainty for American cattle producers. The lawmakers said predictable policies are essential to maintaining the competitiveness and sustainability of the cattle industry.

In a letter, they cautioned against market disruptions, stating, “Cattle markets are cyclical, and ranchers use the upswings to prepare for the inevitable downturn. Any intervention in the natural system, especially at a time when producers are making marketing decisions, threatens to pick winners and losers and undermine the long-term viability of family-owned cattle operations throughout the supply chain.”

The lawmakers argued that expanding domestic demand and increasing export opportunities for U.S. beef would help provide long-term stability for producers. They also pointed to the benefits of the Working Families Tax Cuts and a modernized Farm Bill, which could improve access to capital and increase grazing flexibility within conservation programs.

According to congressional leaders, these measures would encourage ranchers to rebuild and expand their herds while strengthening family-owned cattle operations. They also emphasized the importance of consulting directly with producers when developing policies that affect the livestock sector.

In a related effort, U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall of Kansas and John Barrasso of Wyoming, along with nine other senators, urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to expand grazing access and strengthen risk-management tools for livestock producers.

The senators recommended finalizing the Bureau of Land Management's grazing rule and reviewing federal programs that influence grazing capacity, including the Endangered Species Act, Conservation Reserve Program, and Wild Horse and Burro Program. They also highlighted the need to improve U.S. meat processing capacity to strengthen the livestock supply chain and help producers manage market volatility.

The coordinated efforts led by Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Adrian Smith reflect growing support for policies that expand market access, improve grazing opportunities, and enhance the long-term resilience of the U.S. cattle industry.

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