The National Farmers Union (NFU), representing more than 230,000 American farm families, issued a statement on September 9 praising President Trump’s recent executive orders aimed at beef and livestock markets. The union says the president is right that corporate consolidation in meat processing threatens family farmers and ranchers, and that the U.S. Department of Agriculture must fully enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act.
Call for Federal Resources
“We urge USDA and the Department of Justice to direct the personnel and resources needed to hold meatpackers accountable,” the NFU wrote. The statement notes that while many administrations have spoken about antitrust enforcement, farmers and ranchers are now looking for concrete results. By allocating additional staff and funding, the agencies can more effectively investigate violations of the 1921 law that was designed to prevent monopolistic practices in livestock marketing.
Competitive Markets and Food Safety
The union also stresses the need for diversified processing options. “A competitive livestock market also needs diversified processing options. Efforts to provide greater processing flexibility could help family farmers and ranchers, but not at the expense of food safety,” the NFU said. This aligns with President Trump’s emphasis on protecting consumers while supporting the nation’s agricultural backbone.
Legislative Support
NFU leaders point to broad backing from family ranchers, American consumers, the Senate Agriculture Committee, and now the president of the United States. They argue that Congress should act quickly to reinstate mandatory country‑of‑origin labeling, a measure that would give shoppers clearer information about where their meat comes from and further level the playing field for independent producers.
Why This Matters for Rural America
For the thousands of small‑scale producers who make up the heart of America’s food system, unchecked consolidation can mean fewer choices, lower prices for their products, and increased dependence on a handful of large meatpackers. By enforcing the Packers and Stockyards Act and encouraging processing diversity, the administration’s actions aim to preserve the economic vitality of farm families, protect consumer choice, and uphold the principle of free market competition.
Looking Ahead
The NFU’s statement concludes with a clear call to action: “Now is the time for Congress to finish the job and reinstate mandatory country‑of‑origin labeling.” With the president’s backing and bipartisan interest in agricultural fairness, the union is optimistic that legislative momentum will follow the administration’s executive steps.
For more information about the National Farmers Union and its advocacy work, visit NFU.org.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
