Cattle group welcomes USDA initiatives supporting independent beef processing

BILLINGS, Mont., July 1, 2026 — R-CALF USA today welcomed recent U.S. Department of Agriculture initiatives aimed at strengthening independent beef processing by reducing regulatory burdens, expanding processing capacity and helping preserve independent processing infrastructure during a period of historically tight cattle supplies.

The recent actions began in June with USDA’s Small Processors Action Plan to reduce regulatory burdens, improve customer service and streamline USDA support for small and very small meat processors. USDA also announced an additional $60 million through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program to help expand and modernize domestic processing capacity. Most recently, USDA introduced its Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR) Program, which will provide temporary financial assistance to eligible U.S.-owned small- and mid-size beef processors to help preserve independent processing capacity while the nation’s cattle herd rebuilds.

“We appreciate USDA recognizing that independent meat processors are an essential part of a competitive domestic cattle industry,” said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard. “For decades, R-CALF USA has advocated for strengthening state, local and regional processing capacity because it expands producer marketing opportunities, provides producers with additional marketing alternatives beyond the dominant packers, supports rural economies and helps restore competition within the cattle industry.”

“Independent processors need a reliable supply of cattle, and cattle producers need profitable market conditions that encourage herd expansion,” he said. “Rebuilding the U.S. cattle herd and strengthening independent processing must go hand in hand to restore competition and ensure cattle producers have long-term access to competitive marketing options.”

-R-CALF