The U.S. Department of Agriculture has unveiled a new package of measures aimed at rebuilding the nation’s cattle herds, which have fallen to their lowest levels in 75 years.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Monday announced the Ranchers First Initiative, which includes new insurance options for ranchers, loans for smaller meat processors, and expanded disaster assistance for some conserved grasslands.
The measures are expected to ease the ongoing cattle shortage. According to USDA, the United States entered 2026 with 86.2 million cattle and calves, the smallest inventory since the early 1950s.
Encouraging Ranchers to Rebuild Herds
The new USDA initiative focuses on encouraging ranchers to keep more young female cattle for breeding instead of selling them for slaughter….