USDA launches initiative to rebuild US cattle herd

( NewsNation ) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a new set of measures aimed at rebuilding the nation’s cattle herd, strengthening domestic beef production and supporting American ranchers .

The Ranchers First Initiative builds on the USDA’s October 2025 plan to fortify the U.S. beef industry . It focuses on risk management, processing capacity, conservation support and opportunities for new and beginning producers.

The announcement comes as the U.S. cattle herd sits at a 75-year low, according to the Trump administration. Officials said the new measures are designed to help ranchers retain breeding animals, recover from natural disasters, expand local meat processing and strengthen the agricultural supply chain.

“President Trump promised to put the American ranchers first, and the Ranchers First Initiative delivers on that promise,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said.

Rollins added that the administration is investing in rebuilding the nation’s cattle herd, expanding risk-management tools and reducing regulations for small and independent operations.

New programs designed to help ranchers keep breeding cattle

One key part of the initiative is the Beef Retention and National Development, or BRAND, endorsement for livestock risk protection. The program would help ranchers protect the “economic value of retaining a heifer for breeding over a two-year period.”

USDA also plans to expand conservation assistance by allowing Emergency Conservation Program funding on Grassland Conservation Reserve Program acres. The change is intended to help ranchers repair infrastructure and recover more quickly following wildfires and other disasters.

To strengthen domestic processing, USDA plans to establish a SPUR Guaranteed Loan Program supporting regional processors, cooperatives and small businesses. A related Regional Processor Continuity Effort will focus on improving the stability of processing operations.

The initiative also calls for greater federal purchasing of locally processed American beef by institutions such as schools, hospitals, prisons and other government facilities.

USDA plans additional support for beginning and veteran farmers and ranchers through financing, conservation assistance, insurance programs and workforce initiatives.

These actions follow several 2026 efforts, including expanded grazing access, processor investments, fertilizer production support, the Product of USA labeling campaign and the Harvest to Hallways school-meal initiative.

The initiative also follows Trump’s decision last month to temporarily lift higher tariffs on imported beef . The move led to backlash from the industry and lawmakers, including Republicans.