US EditionMontana Ranchers Urge Public Support for Country of Origin Labeling
Coalition says mandatory labels showing where cattle were born, raised, and processed would help consumers choose American beef and support ranchers facing a 40% price drop.
- On Jan. 27, 2026, a coalition of Montana producers held a Billings, Montana press conference calling for mandatory country-of-origin labeling in the Farm Bill and said they would withhold support without it.
- Ranchers point to consolidation among four multinational packers controlling about 80% of the beef market, and after the 2015 WTO ruling led to repeal, producers say packers sourced from nearly two dozen countries, driving prices down by nearly 40%.
- Montana's cattle herd fell nearly 20% from 2.6 to 2.1 million head since 2000, while ground beef prices rose from $3.978 to $6.687 and expanding processing would cost over $700 million.
- Only Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., has announced support for mandatory labeling, while coalition leaders urged Montanans to contact Rep. Troy Downing and Montana's congressional delegation at a six-speaker event.
- Two bills in Washington provide a legislative path: Senate Bill 421 and House Resolution 5818, and advocates say mandatory labels would boost demand for U.S.-sourced beef and raise domestic prices.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Montana ranchers clamor for mandatory Country of Origin Labeling on beef
BILLINGS Montana cattle producers said Tuesday they want the so-called Country of Origin labels to return to beef packaging.Those labels were on beef products until about 10 years ago, but were removed after the World Trade Organization said the practice discriminated against imported meat.Those in favor of the labeling say there is bipartisan support as they hope to include this legislation in the 2025-2026 Farm Bill.Watch previous coverage: Ra…
Helena Independent Record
Montana ranchers urge public support for country of origin labeling
On Tuesday several Montana ranchers held a press conference detailing why they think mandatory country of origin labeling should be included in the next federal farm bill.
Daily Montanan
arkansasadvocate.comWhere's the beef (from)? Coalition says no Farm Bill without mandatory beef labeling.
Bill Bullard, the cheif executive of R-CALF, speaks about the necessity of getting Congress to pass legislation that would require meat packers to put country-of-origin labeling on their products. The press conference, featuring a coalition of producers and organizations was held in Billings, Montana on Jan. 27, 2026 (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan). There’s probably nothing more iconic to Montana than boots, cowboy hats, cattle …
ABC FOX Montana
Where’s the beef (from)? Coalition says no Farm Bill without mandatory beef labeling.
There’s probably nothing more iconic to Montana than boots, cowboy hats, cattle and ranching, something that defines the image of the Treasure State. And there is probably no other blocs of voters that Montana politicians sidle up next to more…
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