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The letter highlights the serious decline of America’s iconic cattle industry, which remains the largest segment of U.S. agriculture. It notes that the U.S. cattle industry has shrunk at an alarming rate, with fewer beef cattle farms, disappearing feedlots, and the closure of hundreds of federally inspected beef packing plants. Four global beef packers now control over 80% of the fed cattle market.

According to the letter, continued imports of cheaper cattle and beef are contributing to the industry’s decline by driving down domestic prices, displacing U.S. beef production, and eliminating opportunities for current and future farmers and ranchers. The letter also states that decades of trade liberalization have undermined the industry’s infrastructure, which is critical to national security and the U.S. economy.

Recent census data reveals that the loss of beef cattle operations has accelerated, with 107,000 beef cattle farms and ranches disappearing in the past five years—an average loss of more than 21,000 per year. R-CALF USA warns that many more producers are likely to exit the industry soon, further destabilizing the U.S. cattle market and threatening national security.

“Without action, imports of beef and cattle will continue to rise, displacing more domestic producers and further hollowing out rural communities,” said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard.

“This trend threatens domestic production, ultimately weakening both the national economy and national security,” said Bullard adding, “In the event of a geopolitical conflict, natural disaster, supply chain disruption, or other emergency, the growing reliance on foreign suppliers for such a critical staple as beef exposes the U.S. to significant risk.”

R-CALF USA urges Secretary Lutnick to provide relief from excessive imports of both beef and cattle to help reverse the contraction of the industry and ensure a strong, resilient, and competitive domestic beef production system, which is vital to both U.S. national security and economic strength.