President Donald Trump directed his administration on Friday to begin drafting legal documents that would make it easier for American farmers and ranchers to process and market their own meat. The move follows a discussion on The Glenn Beck Program, where Beck urged the President to address what he called a “meat processing cartel” dominated by four large companies.

What the proposal could change

The proposed changes may expand exemptions for small‑scale processors, streamline inspection requirements, and allow broader interstate sales for ranchers. If enacted, these steps could give producers more buyers, reduce transportation distances, and shorten wait times for processing.

Current regulations

Under existing federal law, meat sold commercially must come from an inspected facility. State‑inspected meat can usually be sold only within that state, though qualified small processors participating in USDA’s Cooperative Interstate Shipment program may sell across state lines. Personal‑use and custom‑slaughter exemptions already let owners process meat for themselves, their households, non‑paying guests, and employees, but not for public sale.

Administration’s next steps

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins indicated on X that the administration expects “big announcements” beginning Monday, including reduced processing red tape, expanded interstate sales, additional support for smaller processors, and the rescission of outdated guidance. It remains unclear whether the plan will take the form of an executive order, agency directive, proposed regulation, or a combination of measures.

Industry context

The four largest meatpackers—Tyson Foods, Cargill, JBS USA, and National Beef—handle roughly 85% of U.S. steer and heifer purchases, according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service. The Justice Department is investigating possible collusion and price manipulation among these firms, though no charges have been filed.

Potential benefits and challenges

Proponents argue that more local processing could lower costs for ranchers, create jobs in rural areas, and give consumers greater transparency about how animals are raised and processed. However, small processors still face significant expenses for equipment, labor, sanitation, refrigeration, inspection, packaging, and distribution. Large plants benefit from economies of scale that can keep per‑unit processing costs low, which can translate into lower wholesale meat prices.

Legislative backdrop

Congress has also considered the bipartisan PRIME Act, which would allow states to pilot programs permitting certain custom‑processed meat to be sold directly to consumers within the state, provided labels disclose the processor, animal owner, origin, and slaughter date, and note that the meat was not federally inspected. The bill has not become law.

What’s next

Until the administration releases the specific legal documents and USDA issues new guidance, farmers and ranchers must continue to follow existing federal and state inspection requirements. The upcoming announcements will clarify how the Trump administration plans to support small‑scale meat processing and strengthen American agriculture.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.