Stitt Creates Oklahoma Beef Industry Advisory Council

Stitt Creates Oklahoma Beef Industry Advisory Council to Support Cattle Producers

Gov. Kevin Stitt has created a new Oklahoma Beef Industry Advisory Council as the state prepares for potential changes to the U.S. beef market involving increased imported beef.

The council will bring together cattle producers and agricultural leaders to develop recommendations aimed at protecting Oklahoma cattle producers, strengthening the state’s beef industry and identifying ways Oklahoma can remain competitive as federal policies affect the marketplace.

Oklahoma Beef Industry Advisory Council Responds to Import Concerns

Stitt signed an executive order Tuesday establishing the council following announced federal plans to increase the amount of imported beef entering the United States.

The governor said he is concerned that federal efforts intended to lower consumer beef prices could instead undercut American cattle producers.

“If Washington wants lower prices for Americans, it should focus on free market solutions that remove barriers that drive up cost, not undercut the American ranchers who feed our country,” Stitt said.

Before signing the order, Stitt held a roundtable discussion with Oklahoma cattle producers and Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur to hear directly about challenges facing ranchers and potential ways to strengthen the state’s beef market.

The new council will be chaired by Arthur and include people with experience in cattle production, beef processing, agricultural economics and market development.

According to the Governor’s Office, members will develop public recommendations focused on practical steps Oklahoma can take to protect and grow its beef industry.

Oklahoma Cattle Industry Plays Major Role in State Economy

The council comes as Oklahoma remains one of the largest cattle-producing states in the country.

Oklahoma is home to approximately 4.65 million cattle and calves, including nearly 2 million beef cows.

Agriculture remains a significant part of the state economy, and cattle production supports ranching families as well as feed suppliers, processors, livestock markets, transportation companies and other businesses throughout rural Oklahoma.

Arthur said the council will focus on supporting both current cattle producers and future generations entering the industry.

“Agriculture is a key driver of the Oklahoma economy, and this council will do everything we can to collaborate with and support current and future generations of the hardworking members of the Oklahoma beef industry,” Arthur said.

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry oversees a wide range of programs supporting the state’s agricultural producers and livestock industry.

Stitt said Oklahoma needs to be prepared to respond to federal policies that could affect the prices ranchers receive for their cattle and the overall competitiveness of Oklahoma beef.

Council Will Develop Oklahoma-Led Beef Market Recommendations

The Oklahoma Beef Industry Advisory Council will now begin developing recommendations for the governor and state leaders.

Those recommendations are expected to examine ways to strengthen cattle production and beef processing while expanding market opportunities for Oklahoma producers.

The council will also evaluate the potential impact of federal beef policies on producers at a time when cattle prices, beef prices and the size of the U.S. cattle herd remain important issues for both ranchers and consumers.

Stitt said his administration wants solutions that support consumers without placing Oklahoma ranchers at a competitive disadvantage.

“When the government tries to put its thumb on the scale, it ultimately drives up costs for everyone,” Stitt said. “We will stand with Oklahomans who produce our food and protect our state’s position as a leader in the beef industry.”

Information about Oklahoma’s cattle industry and other agricultural sectors is also available through the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

For Oklahoma, the stakes are significant. With millions of cattle and calves across the state, changes in the national beef market can directly affect ranchers, rural communities and one of Oklahoma agriculture’s largest industries.

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