Austin, February 8, 2026
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has unveiled a comprehensive ‘America First’ beef policy aimed at rebuilding the U.S. cattle herd, which is currently at a historic low. The proposal includes a federal heifer retention tax credit, expanded drought relief, better access to federal grazing lands, and increased market transparency. This initiative seeks to enhance food security and lower grocery prices for families across the nation while supporting local ranchers against ongoing agricultural challenges.
Austin, Texas – February 8, 2026
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has called for an aggressive “America First” beef policy to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd, which has reached its lowest level in over 75 years. This initiative aims to strengthen food security and reduce grocery prices for American families.
Policy Proposal
Commissioner Miller’s proposal includes several key measures:
- Federal Heifer Retention Tax Credit: Incentivize ranchers to retain breeding stock, thereby increasing the national cattle herd.
- Expanded Drought Relief: Provide additional support to ranchers affected by persistent drought conditions.
- Access to Federal Grazing Land: Offer more grazing land to support cattle production.
- Enhanced Market Transparency: Strengthen enforcement of mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef products to ensure consumers know where their beef originates.
Context and Background
The U.S. cattle industry has faced significant challenges, including prolonged droughts and trade policies that have adversely affected domestic producers. These factors have contributed to the decline in the national cattle herd and rising beef prices. Commissioner Miller’s “America First” beef policy seeks to address these issues by prioritizing domestic production and supporting American ranchers.
Industry Reactions
While some industry leaders have praised the initiative, others have expressed concerns. The Texas Farmers Union, for instance, has advocated for the immediate reinstatement of Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) for beef, emphasizing the need for transparency and support for U.S. cattle producers. Additionally, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson and other House Republicans have urged the administration to ensure that any future trade decisions, such as potential beef imports from Argentina, are made with full transparency and a commitment to the U.S. cattle industry.
Looking Ahead
As Congress prepares to work on the next Farm Bill, Commissioner Miller plans to advocate for these policy measures, aiming to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd, enhance food security, and support American ranchers in the face of ongoing challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the “America First” beef policy proposed by Commissioner Sid Miller?
The “America First” beef policy is an initiative proposed by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd, strengthen food security, and reduce grocery prices for American families. It includes measures such as a federal heifer retention tax credit, expanded drought relief, access to federal grazing land, and enhanced market transparency through mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef products.
Why is the U.S. cattle herd at its lowest level in over 75 years?
The decline in the U.S. cattle herd is attributed to factors such as persistent drought conditions and trade policies that have adversely affected domestic producers, leading to challenges in maintaining and rebuilding the national cattle herd.
What are the key measures included in Commissioner Miller’s policy proposal?
The key measures in Commissioner Miller’s policy proposal include a federal heifer retention tax credit to incentivize ranchers to retain breeding stock, expanded drought relief to support ranchers affected by drought conditions, access to federal grazing land to support cattle production, and enhanced market transparency through the enforcement of mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef products.
How have industry leaders responded to the proposed policy?
Industry reactions have been mixed. The Texas Farmers Union has advocated for the immediate reinstatement of Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) for beef, emphasizing the need for transparency and support for U.S. cattle producers. Additionally, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson and other House Republicans have urged the administration to ensure that any future trade decisions, such as potential beef imports from Argentina, are made with full transparency and a commitment to the U.S. cattle industry.
What are the next steps for the “America First” beef policy?
Commissioner Miller plans to advocate for these policy measures as Congress works on the next Farm Bill, aiming to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd, enhance food security, and support American ranchers in the face of ongoing challenges.
Key Features of the “America First” Beef Policy
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Federal Heifer Retention Tax Credit | Incentivizes ranchers to retain breeding stock to increase the national cattle herd. |
| Expanded Drought Relief | Provides additional support to ranchers affected by persistent drought conditions. |
| Access to Federal Grazing Land | Offers more grazing land to support cattle production. |
| Enhanced Market Transparency | Strengthens enforcement of mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef products to ensure consumers know where their beef originates. |
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