Trump signs orders to cut beef prices amid record 16% surge and lowest cattle herd in 75 years

President Donald Trump signed two executive orders to lower soaring beef prices and rebuild the U.S. cattle herd, which is at its lowest level since 1951 due to drought-driven reductions. One order suspends tariff-rate quotas on beef imports, allowing more low-tariff beef into the U.S., while the other expands loans to ranchers and eases regulations. Beef prices have surged nearly 16% in the past year, reaching record highs and pressuring food businesses. The administration aims to ease grocery inflation ahead of the November midterms, but supply is expected to remain tight through 2027 before recovery.