Texas — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is praising President Donald Trump’s call to reduce federal regulatory barriers in the cattle industry, expand opportunities for independent beef processors and give ranchers more flexibility to sell directly to consumers.
Miller said the proposal could increase competition in the beef market and allow producers to keep a larger share of the money consumers spend on beef.
In a statement, Miller argued that consolidation among major meatpackers has limited competition, saying four companies control roughly 85% of beef processing.
He said expanding independent processing capacity, reducing regulatory barriers and creating more direct-sale opportunities would strengthen cattle producers while maintaining food-safety protections.
Miller also said the changes would give ranchers a better opportunity to earn a living from the cattle they raise and reduce bottlenecks in the current processing system.