President Donald Trump signed two executive orders Friday aimed at strengthening the U.S. cattle industry, increasing competition and expanding opportunities for ranchers and smaller meat processors. USDA said one order directs stronger enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act and calls for USDA to coordinate with the Justice Department on livestock-market competition. It also directs USDA to expand programs allowing more state-inspected meat to move across state lines and provide additional assistance to small processors. A second order directs the administration to examine mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef and review protections involving gray and Mexican wolves. The White House said USDA has 90 days to review its authority to establish mandatory labeling and analyze its economic effects. USDA also announced plans to enroll nearly 1 million additional acres in Grasslands Conservation Reserve Program and expand remote beef-grading programs. The administration says the actions are intended to rebuild a U.S. cattle herd now at its lowest level in decades.
Trump orders changes to support ranchers, increase beef market competition
