Sid Miller Unveils “America First” Beef Policy to Rebuild U.S. Cattle Herd

February 10, 2026 – AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller on Thursday announced a sweeping “America First” beef policy aimed at rebuilding the nation’s cattle herd, strengthening food security, and lowering beef prices as U.S. herd numbers fall to their lowest level in more than 75 years.

Miller blamed prolonged drought and what he called unfavorable trade policies under the Biden administration for straining ranchers and shrinking herds nationwide.

“Persistent drought and bad Biden Administration trade deals have hammered our ranchers,” Miller said. “It’s time to double down on American beef, rebuild our herds, and put our producers—not foreign imports—first.”

While praising President Trump for reopening global markets, Miller criticized a recent agreement expanding Argentine beef imports, arguing it should only be a temporary measure.

“I stand shoulder to shoulder with President Trump in fighting to lower beef prices for families, but this plan should be a short-term fix—not a long-term solution,” Miller said, noting the 100,000-metric-ton deal represents less than one percent of total U.S. beef production.

Miller said long-term price stability depends on domestic herd recovery and increased processing capacity. He credited USDA’s updated beef plan for improving market transparency and support for ranchers but warned that trade shifts must not undermine rebuilding efforts.

His policy priorities include a federal heifer retention tax credit, expanded drought relief and access to federal grazing lands, strengthened market transparency, enforcement of mandatory country-of-origin labeling, and aligning trade policy with U.S. production goals.

“Our ranchers are ready to rebuild,” Miller said. “An America First beef policy means producing safe, affordable, homegrown beef for American families—and putting America’s producers back in control.”