Beef producers could sway tight Senate races in midterms

Beef producers could play a large role in this year's midterm elections, especially in states with close Senate races that could decide control of the chamber.

NPR described beef producers as a key constituency in those states and reported that Trump's policies have complicated his support among them. NPR

Food prices and the cost of living are expected to be major issues for voters in the midterms. NPR The cost of living ranks as one of the biggest issues in the election, and rising beef prices have affected shoppers in Texas during the campaign season. NPR

Trump issued Proclamation 11010 on Feb. 6, 2026, called "Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer." White House In August, he announced a beef import plan. Tennessean Trump has argued increased beef imports will provide temporary consumer price relief while cattle producers increase the country's herd. Civil Eats

In September, Trump signed executive orders that allow ranchers to sell meat directly to consumers. NPR Experts said the import plan may not cut consumer prices much.

Prices paid to ranchers have fallen since imports increased. Prices for live cutter cows dropped 12.2%, from $140.68 to $123.47 per 100 pounds, while dressed cutter cow prices fell 13.9%. Tennessean

Trump promised $8 billion in payments to farmers two weeks before Election Day, which Republicans hope will help their campaigns. Politico Rising agricultural costs and rural economic discontent are threatening Republican Senate prospects in the midterms, according to Brookings. Brookings