Grassley Joins Moran, Smith, 50 Colleagues to Urge Expanded Markets for U.S. Cattle Producers

Grassley Joins Moran, Smith, 50 Colleagues to Urge Expanded Markets for U.S. Cattle Producers

BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA - U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer and member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, joined U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and 50 of their colleagues in a letter urging President Trump to prioritize policies that expand trade market access and provide certainty for American cattle producers. Members of Iowa's congressional delegation also joined the letter, including U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) and Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa).

"American ranchers work diligently to do more with less, weather volatile markets, and provide a safe food supply," the lawmakers wrote. "Cattle markets are cyclical, and ranchers use the upswings to prepare for the inevitable downturn. Any intervention in the natural system, especially at a time when producers are making marketing decisions, threatens to pick winners and losers and undermine the long-term viability of family-owned cattle operations throughout the supply chain."

The letter follows President Trump's recent proclamation to increase the "other countries" quota for lean beef trimmings by 300,000 metric tons for 90 days beginning on September 1, 2026, and indicated such imports will be sold at 25% below market price.

"As you consider policy changes which could impact American livestock producers, we urge you to prioritize proposals which deliver long-term market stability and confidence while consulting closely with impacted stakeholders," the lawmakers concluded. "We are eager to work together to deliver certainty for American cattle producers while continuing to deliver safe, affordable, and high-quality American beef."

A full list of cosigners can be found HERE.

Full text of the letter can be found HERE and below.

September 2, 2026

The Honorable Donald J. Trump

President of the United States

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20500

President Trump,

We appreciate your attention to the issues impacting American consumers, farmers, and ranchers. A strong American agriculture industry leads to greater efficiency, availability, affordability, and security in our food supply chain. American farmers and ranchers face significant headwinds, including years of prolonged drought, devastating natural disasters, animal disease and pest threats, market swings, and burdensome regulations.

As you know, the cattle industry is facing 75-year low inventory yet continues to efficiently raise cattle and produce beef that is unmatched in quality anywhere in the world. This does not happen by accident. American ranchers work diligently to do more with less, weather volatile markets, and provide a safe food supply. Cattle markets are cyclical, and ranchers use the upswings to prepare for the inevitable downturn. Any intervention in the natural system, especially at a time when producers are making marketing decisions, threatens to pick winners and losers and undermine the long-term viability of family-owned cattle operations throughout the supply chain.

Long term certainty can be delivered by fostering existing domestic demand and continuing efforts to expand overseas markets for American beef products, building on the successful trade deals you have already secured. As proven through the deals you struck with the United Kingdom and Australia, there is significant opportunity for advancing market access for American beef around the world. These trade deals, coupled with the significant benefits of the Working Families Tax Cuts, will drive long-term confidence in the market and create a natural incentive for ranchers to rebuild and expand their herds. Additionally, your support for a modernized Farm Bill would strengthen access to capital and expand flexibility within grazing and conservation programs, providing producers with the tools they need to strengthen and expand the cattle herd.

As you consider policy changes which could impact American livestock producers, we urge you to prioritize proposals which deliver long-term market stability and confidence while consulting closely with impacted stakeholders. We are eager to work together to deliver certainty for American cattle producers while continuing to deliver safe, affordable, and high-quality American beef.

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