10/10/2026
U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts unveils nine-point plan to rebuild American cattle herd during North Platte visit
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (October 9, 2026) — U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts visited Sustainable Beef in North Platte on Friday, October 9, to share his nine-point “Rebuild the American Herd” plan, an initiative focused on strengthening the nation's cattle industry, protecting Nebraska ranchers, and expanding opportunities for American beef producers.
The plan addresses challenges facing cattle producers, including foreign beef imports, meatpacking competition, federal regulations, livestock disease threats, and the future of family-owned ranches.
A central focus of the proposal is increasing competition in the meatpacking industry. Ricketts highlighted Sustainable Beef as an example of how independent, rancher-owned processing facilities can create additional markets for cattle producers.
The North Platte facility is designed to process up to 1,500 cattle per day.
According to materials distributed during the visit, the project is expected to support 875 jobs and generate more than $1 billion in annual economic impact.
The senator's proposal also calls for restoring mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef, expanding international markets for Nebraska agricultural products, and reducing American dependence on China for livestock feed vitamins and supplements.
Another priority is protecting family farms and ranches through estate tax reform, limits on foreign ownership of agricultural land, and reduced federal regulatory burdens.
Ricketts also emphasized the need for faster disaster assistance following droughts, wildfires, and floods, along with stronger protections against New World screwworm, a destructive livestock parasite.
The plan includes expanded agricultural scholarships, internships, and apprenticeships intended to prepare young Nebraskans for careers in ranching, veterinary medicine, meat processing, and food safety.
The proposal also builds on broader federal efforts to strengthen domestic beef production at a time when the national cattle herd has fallen to historically low levels.
Ricketts distinguished between actions he says he has already delivered and priorities he intends to pursue. Several proposals, including changes to beef labeling requirements and federal regulations, would require additional government action.
The visit placed North Platte and Sustainable Beef at the center of the senator's vision for a more competitive American cattle industry, with an emphasis on keeping agricultural jobs, investment, and opportunities in rural communities.
The plan focuses on:
1. Foreign Beef Imports: Protect Nebraska cattle producers from cheaper foreign imports and ensure imported beef meets U.S. safety standards.
2. Meatpacking Competition: Support independent and rancher-owned processing facilities, including Sustainable Beef in North Platte, to reduce dependence on the four major meatpackers.
3. International Trade: Expand overseas markets for Nebraska beef while protecting American producers from unfair trade practices.
4. Truthful Beef Labeling: Restore country-of-origin labeling so consumers can identify American-raised beef.
5. Family Ranches: Protect agricultural land from foreign ownership, reduce federal regulations, and eliminate estate taxes that could threaten family ranch succession.
6. Disaster Recovery: Speed up drought and wildfire assistance, expand grazing opportunities, and reduce federal paperwork.
7. Livestock Disease Protection: Strengthen defenses against New World screwworm through border inspections, surveillance, and sterile-fly production.
8. Domestic Feed Production: Reduce dependence on China for essential livestock feed vitamins and supplements.
9. Agricultural Workforce Development: Expand scholarships, apprenticeships, and hands-on training to keep young Nebraskans working in agriculture.
