Why It Matters
Kentucky’s cattle sector faces shrinking herds and import competition, prompting state leaders to seek legislative protections for domestic producers.
What Happened
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell described the current environment for cattle farmers as a “perfect storm of issues,” citing farmland loss and increased foreign beef imports under the Trump administration. Agriculture leaders are working to boost policies supporting cattle farmers who have barely broken even in the last couple of decades.
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to boost lean beef imports to lower grocery store prices, facing backlash from farming industry groups, including those in Kentucky. Farmers who sold cattle during the month of the import proclamation suffered financial harm. The market recovered slightly after Trump signed an executive order in early September reviewing country-of-origin labeling for beef products.
Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association representatives presented to state lawmakers on Sept. 3 during an Agriculture Committee meeting. The association plans to present specific policy ideas ahead of the 2027 legislative session, which begins in January. Proposed policies focus particularly on product labeling.
By the Numbers
more than one million — cows in Kentucky in 2020
less than 900,000 — current number of cows in Kentucky
nine times out of 10 — frequency consumers choose American-grown beef over other origins
Zoom Out
Non-monetary tariff barriers from other countries have limited U.S. beef exports over the years, even as demand for American beef is at an all-time high. Most American meatpacking companies are located in the Midwest, and Tyson Foods announced in August it would close two facilities in Illinois and Utah and sell a beef facility in Washington.
What’s Next
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture offers loans to beginning farmers via tobacco settlement funds administered through the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation. The state is exploring ways for cattle farmers to directly market to consumers and process their own products, looking to create an environment for more large-scale processing in Kentucky. Shell stated agricultural investment should be viewed as an economic development issue. The General Assembly created an agricultural economic development fund in 2025, directing the Economic Development Cabinet to work with Shell’s department to attract agriculture business. Announcements regarding the fund may come in the near future.