Strengthening America’s Domestic Beef Supply

A farmer-led proposal to keep U.S. packing plants running, protect rural jobs, and deliver affordable protein to American families, using existing USDA authority.

The Issue

Across the country, U.S. packing plants are slowing or closing—not because Americans eat less beef, but because domestic cattle supply is not moving through the system efficiently.

When plants shut down:

  • Rural jobs disappear
  • Local economies suffer
  • Food supply chains weaken
  • Families face higher grocery costs

Standing still is not an option.

Make America More Ground Beef is a farmer-led proposal calling on USDA to strengthen domestic beef production by getting more American cattle moving through the beef system—without imports and without new legislation.

The proposal relies on:

  • Existing USDA authority
  • Voluntary farmer participation
  • Built-in safeguards to protect system stability

Its goal is simple: keep American beef production strong and food affordable.

  • Ground beef accounts for ~70% of U.S. beef consumption
  • Packing plant slowdowns threaten thousands of rural jobs
  • Domestic production is critical to U.S. food security
  • Existing USDA tools allow for fast action

This proposal strengthens the beef supply chain while supporting American farmers, workers, and families.

Make America More Ground Beef was developed by farmer leaders who understand the realities of agriculture, logistics, and rural economies.

“This proposal is about turning challenges into opportunities, keeping American agriculture working, and putting more affordable protein on American tables.”
— Frank Mendonsa, President, Western United Dairies

  • No new legislation required
  • Uses proven USDA mechanisms
  • Can be implemented quickly
  • Entirely domestic

USDA already has the authority to move forward.

Resources

How Farmers Can Act

This proposal will only move forward if farmers speak up.

> Select and sign a farmer letter to show support for strengthening the domestic beef supply and protecting rural jobs.

> Join Western United Dairies to stay informed and engaged as this effort moves ahead.

MAMGB 1

Secretary Rollins,

My name is [Name], and I operate a dairy farm in [State]. Like many dairy farmers across the country, I’m facing an oversupply crisis that is pushing otherwise viable farms toward the edge.

We’re producing too much milk, holding too many animals, and watching prices collapse, while families at the grocery store pay record prices for ground beef. That disconnect doesn’t make sense.

Make America More Ground Beef is a common-sense, voluntary solution. It gives farmers a market-based option to manage oversupply while lowering food costs for American families and keeping rural jobs intact.

This program doesn’t require Congress. It doesn’t rely on imports. And it doesn’t harm long-term dairy production.

We need USDA leadership now. Please move this program forward.

Sincerely,

MAMGB 2

Secretary Rollins,

Make America More Ground Beef represents one of the most efficient, farmer-first uses of existing CCC authority currently available to USDA.

By incentivizing incremental dairy-origin culls, this program:

  • Reduces ground beef prices 18–25%
  • Saves families up to $3 billion in six months
  • Supports domestic packing plants and rural jobs
  • Addresses dairy oversupply without long-term herd damage

Most importantly, it can be executed immediately using proven USDA mechanisms.

At a time when consumers are struggling, and farmers are under severe financial pressure, USDA has a chance to deliver real relief without new legislation.

I urge you to advance Make America More Ground Beef without delay.

Respectfully,

MAMGB 3

Across rural America, packing plants are closing while dairy farmers are forced to hold excess animals due to market conditions beyond their control.

Make America More Ground Beef solves both problems at once:

  • Keeps U.S. packing plants operating
  • Protects high-wage rural jobs
  • Strengthens domestic protein supply
  • Reduces reliance on foreign beef imports

This is not a long-term supply control program. It is a short-term, voluntary response to an immediate crisis, exactly the kind USDA was designed to address.

Please act quickly to implement this program.

Respectfully,

MAMGB 4

Secretary Rollins,

As a dairy farmer, I strongly support Make America More Ground Beef.

This voluntary program lowers grocery prices, supports American farmers, and protects rural jobs, without imports or new legislation.

USDA has the authority to act now. Please do so.

Sincerely,

Make America More Ground Beef is a proposed, voluntary initiative focused on domestic beef production and rural economic stability. Participation would be optional and subject to USDA approval and program design.