Critical Move for Meat Prices in the US!

U.S. President Donald Trump signed two new executive orders closely affecting the country's livestock sector and meat market. The orders, signed at the White House, aim to facilitate market access for small producers, increase oversight of large meat‑processing companies, and strengthen competition in the sector.

New Move from Trump on the Meat Sector

On September 4, Trump signed two executive orders at the Oval Office in a ceremony attended by farmers and livestock producers. The new regulations focus on strengthening the market position of small and independent livestock producers and meat and poultry processors.

Under the orders, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Trade Representative, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Small Business Administration (SBA), among other federal agencies, were instructed to review existing policies.

Trump said the steps would bring significant changes for farmers and livestock producers.

Four Major Meat Companies Under the Lens

One of the most striking parts of the decision was the regulations concerning competition in the U.S. meat sector.

The Trump administration called for stricter enforcement of the 1921 Packers and Stockyards Act, which aims to protect fair competition in livestock, meat, and poultry markets.

In the U.S. beef processing sector, the strong market share of large firms such as Tyson Foods, Cargill, JBS, and National Beef has long been debated. Trump also criticized the major meat processors in strong words at the signing ceremony, arguing that the concentration in the industry harms both producers and consumers.

Trump argued that large companies keep prices high, while insisting that small producers should be given easier access to broader markets.

The Justice Department will also intervene.

Under the new decision, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expected to work together with the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division.

If suspicions arise that competition laws have been violated in the sector, the files will be examined and, if necessary, enforcement proceedings will be initiated.

At the same time, it is planned to reduce the barriers that prevent state‑level‑regulated small meat‑processing facilities from selling their products in larger markets.

The USDA was also asked to examine methods that would facilitate small businesses' participation in federal meat and poultry inspection programs.

Audit Process for Small Businesses Will Be Simplified.

The Trump administration's plan also includes reducing bureaucratic processes for small meat and poultry processing facilities.

A special coordinator and resource unit to help implement the new inspection system within the Ministry of Agriculture is planned.

Management requested that a report on the progress of the work be prepared within 60 days.

Trump said that the sector has been demanding changes in this direction for many years, and that his administration would implement the steps.

The 'Made in USA' Regulation on Labels is in the Spotlight.

Another key heading of the decrees was how the country‑of‑origin information in beef is presented to consumers.

Trump instructed the USDA to reexamine the country‑of‑origin labeling system for beef products. He asked the ministry to assess the current rules and, if necessary, prepare new regulations or legislative proposals.

The voluntary use of the 'Product of USA', i.e., 'ABD Ürünü', label will also be included.

Animal farmers have long argued that consumers should be able to clearly see where the meat they purchase comes from.

Wolves Regulation Also on the Table

The resolutions did not only cover the meat market and competition. A new investigation into the predatory animals that animal farmers have long complained about was also requested.

The Interior Ministry was instructed to reassess the current protection status of the gray wolf and the Mexican gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act.

Some animal farmers who attended the signing ceremony argued that wolf attacks cause serious losses to livestock and pets.

In the United States, cattle herd at the lowest level in ten years.

The White House also highlighted the decline in the number of cattle herds in the United States among the justifications for the new decisions.

The administration said that drought, forest fires, feed and pasture problems, and rising production costs are straining the livestock sector. According to the White House statement, the herd size in the country has fallen to roughly the lowest levels in 75 years.

The Trump administration aims, with new regulations, to allow small producers to reach more buyers, to increase competition in the meat‑processing sector, and to more closely monitor the influence of large companies on the market.

How the decisions will translate into meat prices and the amounts consumers pay at the market will become clearer after the regulations are put into effect.