In my experience as a Montana cattleman for the last 40 years, a frequent topic of rancher conversations has been concentration in the beef packer business which has reduced cattlemen’s share of beef value by more than 30%.

Another significant rancher concern has been inaccurate beef labeling about the origin of the beef sold in the meat case.

Because of the legitimate concerns, I’d like to highlight three successful federal efforts that are particularly important for Montana ranchers.

1. New “Product of USA” Labeling Rule

In March 2024, the USDA finalized a crucial rule regarding the use of “Product of USA” and “Made in the USA” labels. “Under this new regulation, a meat product can only bear these labels if the animal was born, raised, slaughtered, and processed within the United States.” (USDA)

2. Packers and Stockyards Act Enforcement

The USDA has been working hard to revitalize enforcement under the Packers and Stockyards Act which protects ranchers from unfair and anti-competitive practices in the meat industry. “New rules have been proposed to prohibit misleading statements in contracts and retaliation against livestock growers.” (USDA)

3. Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP)

“The MPPEP, created under the American Rescue Plan, has provided over $325 million in grants to expand meat and poultry processing capacity across the U.S.” (USDA) For example, Old Salt Meat Co. in Montana received $1.39 million in funding, which will allow them to establish a USDA-inspected facility.

These initiatives will strengthen the Montana cattle industry, but cattlemen appear to be unaware of or unimpressed by these initiatives.