USDA Move Will Increase Demand for US Beef

In recent developments USDA has taken action on requiring the purchase of US beef products for domestic programs, an initiative fully supported by R-Calf United Stock Growers of America, that- according to CEO Bill Bullard.

“Because, the federal government is using taxpayer dollars to buy food for various nutritional programs, like the school lunch program, and and even like the Defense Department spending for the military, we believe those purchases should be for beef that is exclusively produced in the United States. And so we've been asking them to establish a standard for those programs born, raised, and slaughtered in the US in order to be eligible for federal procurements.”

USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced that all of the Agricultural Marketing Service purchases for meat will be meat that is indeed born, raised, and slaughtered in the US marking a significant victory for domestic cattle producers.

“They had purchased over $800 million worth of meat last year. So this is a good start. We're hoping that we can expand this to other federal agencies.”

Bullard adds that the USDA’s recent move is paving the way for mandatory country-of-origin labeling. Once this becomes a legal requirement, American farmers and ranchers can actively participate, ensuring that their beef is available for purchase and utilized domestically.