Trump signs order to let ranchers process and ship beef across state lines

On Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at lowering beef prices by breaking what he described as a meat-packing monopoly. The directive instructs the USDA to expand licensing and inspection for small-scale beef processors and to allow ranchers to process, package and sell their cattle across state lines. The order targets the four firms—Tyson, JBS, Cargill and National Beef—that dominate the U.S. market.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins framed the action as a signal of renewed support for American ranchers. While the measure could give producers new sales channels, industry groups such as The Meat Institute caution that it may expose consumers to uninspected meat and harm the country’s safety reputation. The order also calls for a USDA review of foreign beef labeling rules. Some Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Cynthia Lummis, praised the step as a way to increase transparency and competition.