This cattle rancher reports that the United States is currently at the lowest number of ranchers in years, having lost approximately 20,000 ranchers each year over the past five years. According to the cattleman featured in the clip below, there are now about 600,000 ranchers left in the country.
He points to the National Cattleman’s Beef Association as a key driver behind these losses. According to him, this association does not truly represent ranchers but exists primarily to serve the interests of the packers. He asserts that the packers are corrupt and care little about America or its ranchers, focusing solely on their bottom line. As a result, farms and ranches are being destroyed, and only the large corporations are benefiting financially.
The cattleman further claims that these packers are now spreading misinformation about Secretary Rollins supposedly opening the border to allow infected cattle into the nation. He warns that such a move would further devastate American herds.
In light of these concerns, he urges everyone to rally behind the Independent Cattle Producers. While the media often repeats the narrative from outlets like Reuters—which attributes rancher losses to drought and aging farmers—there appears to be much more at play.
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### What Could Make a Difference in September
Last week, independent cattle producers from eight states traveled to Washington, D.C., as part of R-CALF USA’s fly-in event. Their mission was clear: to emphasize that food security is national security and that the prosperity of America’s ranching families must be central to America First policymaking.
During meetings with lawmakers, the group focused on pressing for the reinstatement of mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef. This initiative is part of R-CALF USA’s “Label Our Beef” campaign, which seeks to include MCOOL in the upcoming farm bill.
Other discussion points included calls for reforming the checkoff program, implementing mandatory electronic ID eartags, encouraging fair competition in the cattle market, and addressing rising consumer beef prices.
In response to the ongoing threat posed by New World screwworm, R-CALF USA also urged leaders to keep America’s herds safe by maintaining a closed border and rejecting proposals to relax U.S.-Mexico cattle trade restrictions.
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“This fly-in demonstrated the heart of independent ranchers and the backbone of rural America in a place that needs reminding,” said R-CALF USA Marketing Director Jaiden Moreland. “These weren’t paid lobbyists. They were ranchers who left behind their families and operations, at their own expense, to carry the voice of America’s ranching families to the nation’s capital and share their stories face to face with policymakers.”
“With four packers controlling over 80 percent of the market and lobbyist-driven policies keeping consumers in the dark about where their beef comes from, restoring MCOOL should be common sense,” stated R-CALF USA President Dave Hyde. “R-CALF USA represents the cattle industry, not just the beef industry, and it’s time Washington put independent ranchers—and America’s food security—first. I left D.C. encouraged knowing that the agencies and offices we met with heard the true perspective of independent producers.”
“America cannot remain free and independent if it cannot feed itself,” added R-CALF USA Vice President Eric Gropper. “Restoring MCOOL in the 2025 farm bill is an America First policy. Our trip to D.C. showed the sacrifice and determination of independent ranchers who made sure Congress and the administration heard directly from the people who raise America’s cattle. That presence matters, but so do your voices back home. Calling your senators and representatives makes a difference, and we encourage everyone to pick up the phone and make their voice heard.”
https://www.independentsentinel.com/the-disappearing-american-cattlemen/
