In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Mike Jennings, regional sales manager for SmartLic, who explains why fall and early winter mark one of the most critical windows of the year for cattle nutrition. Jennings says the season brings “a sharp decline in forage quality,” just as cows enter late gestation and their nutritional needs climb. He emphasizes that once forage goes dormant, “the protein as well as the mineral content goes down and will no longer supply the daily needs of the animal without supplementation,” making tools like SmartLic or Feed in a Drum protein tubs valuable for maintaining body condition.

Jennings stresses that protein is especially vital in this period, calling it “one of the most limiting nutrients” and the primary fuel for rumen microbes. He explains that protein provides the nitrogen needed for microbial growth so cattle can “efficiently digest the fiber in their diet,” which is particularly important when grazing “low-quality standing or fed forages.” By maintaining healthy rumen activity, producers help cattle unlock more of the energy still present in dormant forage.

When asked about strategy, Jennings says producers have several options for adding protein, but he believes a high-quality SmartLic tub is the most efficient when standing forage is available. With tubs ranging “anywhere from 12 to 40%,” he notes that producers can simply “drop it in the pasture” and trust cattle to meet their needs. He adds that SmartLic formulas “contain the needed trace mineral and vitamins for this time of year,” delivering a complete supplement package.

Jennings also highlights how proper supplementation can actually save money. Self-fed tubs mean nutrition is available “24/7,” eliminating daily feeding trips, extra equipment, and labor costs. “If you can control the intakes to your supplement program, you can also control the cost to the producer,” he says, all while improving forage utilization—what he calls “one of our most valuable resources” in cattle production.

Research backs up SmartLic’s approach, Jennings says, pointing to trials showing that even “three-quarters to a pound” of supplement intake can significantly impact rumen microorganism activity. Thanks to high-quality molasses, premium ingredients, and a patented continuous manufacturing process, SmartLic delivers “a more nutrient dense product than others in the marketplace today.” And because it’s a true free-choice system, cattle consume “very little, but often,” maintaining optimal rumen function around the clock. For producers wanting more information, Jennings directs them to newgensupplements.com to connect with local dealers.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post Why Fall Or Early Winter Protein Supplementation Matters for Cow Herds first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s beef buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays continues his conversation with John Stika, president of Certified Angus Beef, who discussed the brand’s long history, global reach, and current market challenges and opportunities. Stika noted that Certified Angus Beef (CAB), founded in 1978 was the first USDA-certified branded beef program, and has established itself as the gold standard when it comes to branded beef. International growth has been a major part of that success since CAB entered overseas markets in 1990. Despite recent global disruptions, Stika emphasized that the brand’s momentum remains strong.

Stika explained that international sales faced headwinds this past year due to “tariffs and price and currency exchange rates and closed markets,” which caused some decline. Still, he pointed to bright spots: “Aside from Mexico, which last year grew by 32%, we were up in every other Latin American market… we were up in more than half of [the 77] countries” where CAB is sold. He stressed that the strategy remains consistent—drive quality and demand so CAB is positioned for accelerated growth when global conditions stabilize.

Tight U.S. cattle supplies continue to pose challenges for CAB’s procurement team. Stika acknowledged the strain, saying tight numbers make it tough to ensure every partner receives the product they need. But he also emphasized that these are “great times for producers” who raise Angus cattle. More importantly, Stika highlighted a powerful trend: record-setting quality. “There may be fewer cattle out there, but more of them fit our brand than ever,” he said, pointing to CAB’s all-time high acceptance rate of 37.6%. He predicted the national annual average will surpass 40% before long.

Reflecting on how far the industry has come, Stika recalled that acceptance rates once hovered near 5%. Even in 2006, he said, it was only “14%.” Today, CAB carcasses make up “22 to 24% of all fed cattle harvested in the U.S.” He described the progress as an “amazing transformation” benefiting both Angus breeders and the beef industry as a whole. At today’s higher prices, Stika said it’s clear that long-term investments in quality have paid off: “Now we’ve got a product that consumers want, and they’re willing to pay these record high prices.”

Looking ahead, Stika also addressed the Made in the USA labeling initiative set to expand in early 2026. CAB supports transparency and consumer choice, he said, adding: “We are advocates for consumers having all the information that they want… and are willing to pay for.” While some CAB-producing plants will be positioned to use the label and others may not, Stika emphasized that the brand is ready to respond as consumer demand becomes clearer. CAB will support supply chain partners who adopt the label and help them market it effectively.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post John Stika Shares CAB Updates on International Sales, Quality Trends, and Made in USA Labeling first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s beef buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with president of Certified Angus Beef, John Stika, who discussed the brand’s strong performance during the most recent fiscal year, which ended in September. He said the company wrapped up “our third best year in our 47-year history,” noting that results exceeded expectations. CAB moved an impressive volume of beef, reaching “1.235 billion pounds of Certified Angus Beef with the highest prices we’ve seen,” a result he attributes to product improvement and continued consumer enthusiasm.

Stika emphasized how dramatically beef quality has improved in the past decade. He explained that, years ago, the industry assumed cattle would grade “2 to 3% Prime, and that’s just the way the good Lord made them.” Today, however, he noted that Prime levels have climbed to “12 to 13%,” and the market now produces “more Certified Angus Beef than we do Select product.” He credited genetics, days on feed, and management, stating that consumer dollars “have really pulled our industry toward that direction.”

Consumer demand remains exceptionally strong, even as prices rise. Stika remarked, “It’s amazing how much we’re willing to pay for something we enjoy,” and acknowledged that the industry has long wondered where the consumer’s spending limit lies. Although he believes we may be getting closer to that threshold, he said, “we’ve not found that line yet,” pointing out that Certified Angus Beef Prime was the brand’s fastest-growing category this year.

Stika also highlighted the impressive performance of top-tier cattle producers, who are achieving Prime percentages far above industry averages. While national grading sits around 12%, some producers send in groups that are “80% Prime, maybe 90% Prime,” with “almost no Selects.” He emphasized that this is the result of intentional genetic improvement, adding, “economic signals work and producers have definitely paid attention to them.”

Stika outlined CAB’s marketing focus going forward. Because the brand’s role is to “create demand,” CAB is investing heavily in education and training, including the use of its “8000-square-foot culinary center” in Wooster. The company is prioritizing the promotion of Certified Angus Beef ground beef, expanding Certified Angus Beef Prime, and developing more value-added products suitable for today’s labor-strapped market. As Stika put it, these items “really can add value to the menu, or in the meat case,” making them a key part of CAB’s strategy.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post Certified Angus Beef’s Latest Fiscal Year Sees Highest Prices Ever as Consumers Pay for Quality first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s beef buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Lance Zimmerman of Rabobank. As 2025 concludes, the central industry question is whether the U.S. will finally see signs of herd expansion. Zimmerman stresses that this remains the foundation of long-term production growth. He points out that despite political pressure to lower beef prices through short-term trade approaches, producers understand that “the only way we’re going to significantly move that needle is right here at home with the cow herd rebuild.”

Zimmerman illustrates the long biological timeline required to rebuild. He explains that a heifer retained today will not replace her own production loss until well into the future: “won’t produce the beef in a retail meat case that replaces her loss until September of 2028… It’d be September of 2029 before she produces additional beef beyond replacing herself.” Because of that delay, he emphasizes that current retention levels are still modest: “we’re only kind of dipping our toe in heifer retention this year.”

Despite economic pressure, Zimmerman encourages producers to think strategically about retaining females. He reminds them that profitability potential is strong. Even high cull-cow values should not overshadow longer-term opportunity, as he notes “that calf in her is worth $2,000 next year as well.” His message: creative herd-preservation now can sustain future profitability.

A major part of rebuilding also involves succession decisions. Zimmerman reflects on past generational transitions, stating that “what’s fair isn’t always equal, and what’s equal isn’t always fair,” especially when only some children remain in the operation. Many older producers fear they will not see the payoff from rebuilding, and Zimmerman acknowledges that “herd rebuilding is going to happen with a very small group of producers,” describing it as a “two-circle Venn diagram” where only those young enough and those large or capitalized enough overlap to drive expansion.

Finally, Zimmerman explains that today’s cattle cycle is more complex and financially demanding. With bred heifers costing around $4,000, he argues that “we’re going to have to go through a recalibration at every phase of the cattle producing segment.” Profit expectations must shift, because “working for a hundred-dollar profit today doesn’t ring the same when you have that much of a cash outlay.” This structural transition, he says, is why rebuilding the U.S. cow herd will be slow and concentrated among a limited subset of producers.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post Lance Zimmerman: Will the U.S. Cow Herd Rebuild in 2026 first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

Despite recent market fluctuations, the cattle industry is still experiencing historically high prices, fueled by unprecedented consumer demand, according to Lance Zimmerman, Senior Beef Analyst for Rabobank in today’s Beef Buzz.

Zimmerman talked with Oklahoma Farm Report’s Ron Hays at the recent National Farm Broadcasters Trade Talk in Kansas City- you can hear part one of their conversation by clicking on the audio button above.

While the cattle market has experienced a notable correction in recent weeks, dropping approximately 15% over the past month, Zimmerman emphasizes that these levels remain “lifetime, wildly high profits” for the industry. He attributes the recent volatility to the psychology of the market, particularly the exit of speculative long positions on futures exchanges.

“When you have record high or near record high participation of longs… there’s always the risk of the unknown and the uncertainty that can creep into those markets that spooks those long positions and those fund traders when they want to exit the market,” Zimmerman explained. He described the current situation as a period of “capitulation,” where traders are exiting positions to await calmer market conditions.

However, Zimmerman is quick to point out to Hays that the underlying fundamentals of the cattle market remain “incredibly strong.” He highlights that the story of high prices is not driven by declining supply, as per capita supplies have remained surprisingly steady over the past six years. Instead, the primary driver is a surge in consumer demand, reaching “40 year plus highs.”

This robust demand, Zimmerman suggests, is a testament to several factors:

“The consumer has been clearly the MVP of these high prices,” Zimmerman stated.

Looking ahead, Zimmerman anticipates that supply will eventually become a more significant factor in supporting prices. He notes that the cattle supply is expected to decline further as producers focus on rebuilding herds. While strong imports, carcass weight gains, and increased cattle from the dairy sector have bolstered current supplies, the intentional retention of heifers for future breeding will naturally lead to a reduction in market-ready cattle.

He acknowledges that the recent market pullback may have caused some producers to reconsider holding back females for herd expansion. However, he assures that profitability remains exceptionally high, and pasture conditions are improving.

“We have a lot of producers that are not allowing themselves to enjoy the run this market has been on for fear of what could happen,” Zimmerman said, referencing the market downturn experienced in 2015. He urged producers, particularly those also involved in grain and oilseed production where margins have been tighter, not to miss the opportunity to participate in the future of the cattle market by retaining heifers.

“The next several years, we’re going to pull supply out of this market to further prop up these prices,” Zimmerman concluded. “Supply can be just as supportive to this market as demand, which means there’s still some price appreciation ahead for us.”

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post Rabo Analyst Says Cattle Market Sees Pullback, But Fundamentals Remain Strong first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

As the cattle market experiences heightened fluctuations, recent developments, including Tyson’s announcement of beef packing capacity closures in January, warrant careful consideration among producers and consumers alike. As the cattle markets pause for the Thanksgiving holiday- Oklahoma Farm Report’s Ron Hays Beef Buzzes with Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Market Economist Dr. Darrell Peel about the current state and future trajectory of the cattle industry.

The recent cattle-on-feed report and the impending consolidation by Tyson are critical indicators of the market’s evolving landscape. Dr. Peel suggests that despite these challenges, the fundamentals of the cattle market point towards potential growth in beef cow herds. He predicts that the January 2026 beef cow herd might be “fractionally more” than in 2025, emphasizing that while the expectation remains for herd stability, slight increases in numbers are feasible.

One of the factors influencing this potential growth is the significant decrease in cow slaughter rates. This decline has created a more favorable environment for the existing cows, especially given the low inventory of replacement heifers. Dr. Peel indicates that while producers entered this year with concerns surrounding inadequate heifer numbers, the reduced slaughter rates might sufficiently offset these challenges, thereby stabilizing the beef cow population at its current low levels.

Strategic Considerations for Producers

As the year draws to a close, Dr. Peel advises cattle producers to adhere to well-laid plans for 2026, emphasizing the importance of understanding and responding to market signals.

Rebuilding Strategies: Producers aiming to rebuild their herds should focus on strategic management of their resources. Implementing solid plans to produce and care for calves will enable producers to capitalize on prevailing market conditions.

Production vs. Rebuilding: Conversely, fully stocked producers should aim to maximize calf production. Efficient herd management will ensure robust numbers entering the market.

Dr. Peel encourages producers to remain steadfast in their plans, despite external turbulence that may obscure the underlying fundamentals of the market. “The market is still telling us that it’s worthwhile,” he asserts, pointing to the growing need for females to replenish the herd.

Looking ahead, Dr. Peel warns consumers that elevated beef prices are likely to persist. He notes that while there may be minor impacts from trade developments, significant relief in pricing is unlikely in the short term. The feeder cattle supply remains tight, necessitating that heifers be retained to rebuild the herd, thereby driving prices higher in the near future.

Long-Term Recovery Timeline

The path to recovery is expected to be gradual. “The highest prices are ahead of us yet,” cautions Dr. Peel. He emphasizes that the cattle industry is characterized by its slow response to market shifts, foreseeing a protracted recovery that could span several years.

The cattle market is at a crucial juncture, influenced by internal dynamics and external pressures. As producers navigate these complexities, leveraging strategic planning and adhering to market fundamentals will be essential for their success. For consumers, the current situation suggests that high beef prices are a fixture for the foreseeable future, emphasizing the importance of adaptability within both the production and consumption landscapes of the beef industry.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post OSU’s Derrell Peel on Navigating the Beef Cattle Market as 2025 Heads for the Finish Line first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s beef buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with  Dan Halstrom, president of the USMEF, who emphasized that global demand for U.S. red meat remains “very, very good, if not record-breaking,” even amid political and economic turbulence. He noted especially strong performance in markets tied to existing free trade agreements, saying regions such as Canada and Mexico under USMCA account for about 28% of U.S. beef and pork exports and are “growing, and have been for several years now.”

Halstrom highlighted that countries with long-standing trade agreements—Central America under CAFTA; Colombia and Chile; and South Korea under KORUS—continue to deliver robust results. Despite record-high beef prices, he said these partners “continue to buy, demanding our quality products.” Alongside these mature markets, he underscored the importance of expanding in developing regions, particularly Southeast Asia, Central America, and Africa, where USMEF sees strong long-term potential.

The most significant challenge he identified is restricted U.S. beef access in China. Halstrom called the situation “extremely frustrating,” pointing out that China was a $1.6 billion market last year and that customers like Sam’s Club are ready to resume chilled beef purchases “tomorrow” if the relisted plants are approved. He stressed that restoring access is the top priority with USTR, noting the solution could come “with a flip of a switch tomorrow, if they so choose.”

While waiting for China’s return, Halstrom explained the need to redirect products—particularly variety meats—into alternative markets. China is the largest customer for these items, so finding new destinations is essential. He said the lack of access is “expediting that momentum, or that urgency” to develop outlets in Mexico, Peru, Central America, and Africa for items like tripe, kidneys, and livers. Although China cannot be replaced quickly, he believes that when it eventually reopens, the U.S. will be “much well positioned with a more diverse portfolio.”

Halstrom described strong global interest in U.S. quality and consistency, saying customers “are wanting quality even if it costs more.” Demand for upper Choice and Prime beef is rising worldwide. At the same time, consumer habits are changing rapidly: convenience products, meal kits, case-ready items, and home-meal-replacement options are growing across markets. He noted Korea as the leading example, where more than 40% of purchases are now through e-commerce, adding, “Everything’s moving fast, very fast.”

Finally, Halstrom said the global consumer mindset increasingly mirrors U.S. trends around nutrition and the “power of protein.” This applies not only to muscle cuts but also to variety meats, which he said carry strong nutritional appeal in markets such as Peru, Chile, Mexico, Africa, and Japan. He emphasized that “people are giving more focus on health, more focus on nutrition,” and U.S. beef, pork, and lamb remain central to that demand.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post US Meat Export Performance Strong But China Issues Persist first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s beef buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with livestock market economist Dr. Derrell Peel about Tyson Foods’ recent announcement about shutting down its Lexington, Nebraska, beef plant and downsizing operations in Amarillo. This news follows months of losses in its beef division, driven largely by the smallest U.S. cattle herd in decades. Tyson Foods’ recent announcement about shutting down its Lexington, Nebraska, beef plant and downsizing operations in Amarillo. This news follows months of losses in its beef division, driven largely by the smallest U.S. cattle herd in decades.

Dr. Peel explained that the closure was not entirely unexpected within the industry. As he noted, “I’ve been getting questions for months from producers. Everybody was aware that this was a possibility.” With cattle numbers extremely tight, packers have operated far below capacity and “have been unable to operate at anywhere close to full capacity,” leading to sustained financial losses. According to Peel, the combined changes at the two Tyson plants represent a “seven to eight thousand head per day loss of packing capacity… probably somewhere in the range of seven and a half to nine percent of total U.S. packing capacity.”

While plants tend to operate regionally, Peel emphasized that cattle flows respond to market pressures. He acknowledged that cattle can travel substantial distances when numbers are low, remarking that “when numbers get tight… fed cattle will travel significant distances. It’s not as efficient to do that.” The Amarillo shift reduction, he explained, is structured so the plant can eventually return to normal operations when cattle supplies recover. In contrast, he noted that “the Lexington plant’s a little different story… that one appears to be closed permanently,” which has longer-term implications for national packing capacity.

Peel also pointed out that the southern plains region is especially strained due to both drought-reduced cattle numbers and the impact of the screwworm issue, which has restricted the flow of Mexican feeder cattle. As he stated, “Southern plains supplies are really tight… and when you aggravate that with the lack of the Mexican feeder cattle… that’s probably the final straw here in terms of that tight supply.” This shortage played a major role in Tyson’s decision to reduce Amarillo to one shift rather than attempt to maintain full production.

Finally, Peel noted that Tyson recently invested heavily in updating the Amarillo facility, which signals that the company does not intend to abandon the plant long-term. “I don’t think they’re walking away from that plant,” he said, affirming Tyson’s commitment. Tyson’s presence in Amarillo remains important in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle region which also includes major beef plants operated by Cargill, JBS, and National Beef.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post Tyson Beef Plant Closures: Dr. Derrell Peel Explains the Impact first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s beef buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Extension livestock market economist Dr. Derrell Peel, who talked about the November Cattle on Feed Report. He noted that the report showed the cattle on feed inventory “down 2% on a year over year basis,” with October placements at “90% of last year” and marketings at “92% of last year.” Dr. Peel emphasized that the figures were close to expectations and contained “no real surprises in this report.”

Dr. Peel added that the report also filled in the previously missing October data. He explained that the numbers confirm a continued, gradual decline in feedlot inventories. As he put it, “this month of November represents the 12th consecutive month of year over year, decreases in that cattle on feed inventory.” Although the decline is modest—“only 2% down, so it’s been a very slow process”—he suggested that the reductions may compound in the coming months.

The updated breakdown of steers and heifers on feed showed little change in the gender composition. Dr. Peel pointed out that the heifer percentage was “38.1% which is exactly what it was in the July quarterly report.” While the total number of heifers on feed is “95% of a year ago,” their share of the total remains the same, reinforcing the stability of the ratio.

When asked what this indicates about rebuilding the cow herd, Dr. Peel explained that “we aren’t seeing a lot of heifer retention yet.” He noted that the heifer percentage is “probably a little bit inflated, because it does include dairy animals,” but emphasized that “none of that changes the fact that there’s no real indication here of strong heifer retention.” In other words, herd rebuilding efforts have not yet begun in a meaningful way.

The conversation concluded with a look at the beef-on-dairy trend. Dr. Peel observed that these crossbred calves “have more value because they do have improved carcasses from a meat standpoint,” and he added that they are “immensely valuable now, because they are going into this record high beef market.” Still, he cautioned that dairies “may actually have to pull back just slightly in order to produce enough heifers for themselves,” suggesting the industry may have reached the upper limit of beef-on-dairy production.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post Dr. Derrell Peel Breaks Down November’s Cattle on Feed Trends first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s beef buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Ethan Lane of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association at the National Farm Broadcasters Convention in Kansas City. They discussed the ongoing debate over labeling in the beef industry. The conversation centered on tensions between mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) and voluntary labeling, a topic that continues to divide producers, policymakers, and industry groups. Lane was clear that he believes the industry must move forward based on evidence rather than nostalgia for policies that have struggled in the past.

Lane emphasized that MCOOL (mandatory country of origin labeling) simply did not achieve its intended goals. “MCOOL didn’t work. The numbers show that MCOOL didn’t work.” In contrast, Lane argued that voluntary labeling systems have shown measurable success with consumers, who increasingly respond to local, regional, and value-added labels that highlight specific production attributes.

From the producer’s perspective, Lane stressed that voluntary labeling delivers real value where it matters—at the ranch level. He explained that broad national origin claims don’t benefit cattle producers directly, saying, “A large, broad national origin claim… might give a little tiny kicker to the packers… they do absolutely nothing for the U.S. cattle producer that I work for.” Instead, he believes the U.S. beef industry should focus on leveraging its unmatched product quality and capturing premiums that reward producers for the superior beef they raise.

Lane also discussed the upcoming “Product of the USA” label changes that take effect January 1. He highlighted that this new voluntary model eliminates decades of confusion, stating, “For 35 years… Product of the USA… was any product that passed through a USDA inspected facility. This does away with that… if you want to use the label, you have to attest that that product was born, raised, and harvested in the United States.” He added that retailers and packers are currently evaluating how the new rules will affect sourcing and supply chains, especially since foreign beef—including Brazilian and Argentinian product—will no longer qualify for the label.

Lane described why NCBA encouraged USDA to take the lead on these changes and why he sees voluntary labeling as a win for producers. He explained that clearer, truth-in-labeling standards combined with marketing flexibility create new opportunities, especially for small and regional processors. As he put it, the new system will provide “true marketing options” and support business models that allow producers and emerging processors to earn premiums. Lane expressed optimism about the path ahead, calling the updated Product of the USA rule “a win for the U.S. cattle industry.”

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post NCBA’s Ethan Lane on the Future of Beef Labeling first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.