Georgia cattlemen push back on Trump’s plan to import beef in bid to lower prices

A White House plan intended to help ranchers build up the nation’s cattle herd is causing consternation among Georgia cattlemen and generating beef in the Georgia governor’s race.

A pound of ground beef cost the average Fourth of July grill master about $6.89 last month, up from $6.25 in July 2025 and $4.39 in July 2021, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The U.S. cattle herd, which includes beef and dairy cows, is at its lowest point since the 1950s, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data. Ranchers say a number of factors, including droughts, rising costs for expenses like diesel and machinery, and market risk make expanding their herds an uncertain endeavor.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation allowing a total of 300,000 tons of lean beef trimmings for ground beef to be imported into the United States over 90 days without tariffs.

Lean beef trimmings are a form of beef made by separating smaller pieces of lean meat from large pieces of fat after larger steaks and roasts are cut.

“We have a commitment that this beef will be sold at 25 percent below current market prices,” Trump said in a statement on social media. “This deal will reduce prices for Americans while giving space for our Great American Beef Herd to grow again.”

Ranchers express skepticism

But the plan drew swift criticism from representatives of Georgia’s cattle producers, who say it will undercut American ranchers and slow down the process of rebuilding the herd.

“What our producers need is confidence that if they invest in more cows, better genetics, improved pastures, equipment, and infrastructure today, there will be a fair market for the cattle they produce tomorrow,” said Kelley Owen, executive vice president of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association. “The best way to increase America’s beef supply is to give American cattle producers the confidence to grow it.”

Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, a Republican and Trump ally, broke ranks with the president over the beef plan.

“Increasing our reliance on imported food is not a long-term solution to Americans’ affordability concerns,” Harper said in a statement on social media. “We can lower costs for consumers while supporting the farmers and ranchers who produce our food here at home. A strong domestic food supply is essential to our economic and national security.”

Making hay?

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who is Georgia’s Democratic candidate for governor, hopes to make the issue part of her campaign against businessman Rick Jackson, the Republican nominee for governor.

“Georgia’s cattle producers power our agriculture economy and provide food for our state and our country,” Bottoms said in a statement. “I stand with Georgia producers against Donald Trump’s reckless plan to flood the market with imported beef.

“And while Donald Trump is selling out our state’s top industries, Rick Jackson refuses to stand up to him — even as cattle producers ring the alarm,” she added. “I encourage Rick to join me in a bipartisan stance against this damaging policy for our producers. As governor, I will be focused on growing Georgia’s economy, protecting our most important industries, and I will never be afraid to stand up to anyone on behalf of Georgians.”

A spokesman for Jackson’s campaign characterized Bottoms’ words as empty campaign rhetoric but did not directly address Jackson’s position.

“Governors do not set federal policy, but they can help support Georgians impacted by decisions made in Washington D.C., which is exactly what Rick is focused on,” said Jackson spokesman Garrison Douglas. “Unlike Keisha Lance Bottoms, he will deliver more than statements, he’ll deliver action, and he won’t run away from the problem like she did when she quit as Mayor.”

Douglas said Jackson’s platform for Georgia cattlemen will include efforts to increase processing capacity and biosecurity while lowering input costs and reducing property taxes.