July 29, 2025 – The U.S. imports lean beef trim primarily to meet consumer demand for ground beef with specific fat-to-lean ratios—most commonly the 80/20 blend. Domestic cattle, particularly grain-fed steers raised for premium cuts, produce beef with higher fat content. This means U.S. processors often lack enough naturally lean trimmings to blend into ground beef at the desired consistency and price point. To solve this, the U.S. imports lean trim from countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico. These countries raise cattle on grass, which tends to produce leaner beef. The imported lean...