Texas – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller outlined a five-point plan aimed at rebuilding America’s cattle herd, lowering grocery store beef prices, and supporting U.S. cattle producers. The plan addresses concerns with current trade policies and federal land use, and suggests measures to stabilize the domestic beef supply.
Miller emphasized reducing reliance on lower-quality Argentine beef imports, which primarily affect ground beef rather than high-quality cuts. He also called for reversing the U.S. agricultural trade deficit by increasing domestic production and exports, rather than importing more foreign beef.
The plan proposes reopening and expanding grazing access on federal and private lands, including millions of acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, to provide pasture for heifers and mother cows, especially amid ongoing drought conditions in the Southwest.
To encourage herd growth, Miller suggested a new Heifer Retention Tax Credit, modeled after the Child Tax Credit, allowing cow-calf operators to receive a tax credit for keeping heifers and expanding their herds. Additionally, he recommended allowing targeted imports of live Mexican cattle to stabilize supply quickly, while maintaining U.S. biosecurity.
Miller said the five actions would help rebuild the national herd, stabilize beef supplies, lower consumer prices, and support American cattle producers, while ensuring families have access to high-quality, affordable beef. He thanked President Trump for engaging with producers and hearing their concerns.
