Cattle producer Gary Vetter began working the family feedlot at age 10. Now, 55 years later, he's facing a surprising threat - not from drought or trade wars, but from the president he voted for: Donald Trump.

Facing pressure from voters over rising food costs, Trump declared this fall that beef was too expensive and vowed to drive prices down. His administration quickly acted: it announced plans to quadruple U.S. beef imports from Argentina, lifted tariffs on Brazilian beef, and launched an investigation into meatpacker price manipulation. The moves rattled cattle markets, sending feeder cattle futures into a tailspin - down 21% over five weeks - while consumer beef prices barely moved.

The fallout has stunned ranchers who have traditionally backed Trump. "I'm still a Trump supporter. I'm just not a happy Trump supporter," said Vetter, who estimates a potential $250,000 loss on recent cattle purchases. The price drop hit after he paid $2,500 per head for steers in late October; by November, that figure had fallen by $300.

The downturn has rippled across the sector. Livestock buyers pulled back, speculative traders exited, and market volatility surged. Yet grocery store prices remained high: ground beef rose 16% year-over-year to $6.54 per pound, and boneless stew meat climbed 23% to $9.17. Experts say these retail prices are buffered by supply chain layers - including packers, distributors, and retailers - which delay the effect of cattle market changes.

The economic blow lands at a vulnerable time. After years of drought, the U.S. cattle herd shrank to its smallest in decades, and in 2025, the U.S. lost its place as the world's top beef producer to Brazil. Ranchers were just beginning to rebuild. Trump's policy shifts, they say, now inject uncertainty that could stall that recovery.

Meanwhile, the USDA lowered its cattle price forecasts through 2026. And in November, Tyson Foods announced it would permanently shut a major beef plant, removing another key market for producers. Trump accused packers like Tyson of collusion, ordering the Justice Department to investigate. Meat companies maintain their pricing is transparent and heavily regulated.

The political irony isn't lost on ranchers. Eight interviewed by Reuters said they still support Trump, largely for his stance on immigration and rural values, but now question his understanding of beef markets. "He's waged war on producers who don't control beef prices at the store," said Missouri processor Todd Hertzog.

Producers warn that unless market stability returns, the cost of rebuilding the national herd will be too high. "The president can do whatever he wants, but without some stability, it's hard to move forward," said Vetter. "I'm going to push a pencil really hard before I buy that next set of calves."