If you\u2019ve been trying to feed a family on a budget, you already know beef at the grocery store can get expensive fast. President Donald Trump\u2019s plan to temporarily lift tariffs on some foreign beef imports \u2014 with a commitment to sell it at 25% below current market prices \u2014 is promising some relief at the checkout line. But local cattle producers say the savings may come at a cost.<\/p>\n
As of July, the national average price for ground beef, according to the Beef Price Tracker, is $6.88 per pound. At a Houston-area H-E-B, the lowest price KPRC 2 found was $5.99 \u2014 though that can vary depending on the store, brand and lean percentage.<\/p>\n
Critics of the tariff pause worry that lower prices shouldn\u2019t come at the expense of American ranchers, warning that flooding the market with foreign beef could hurt the U.S. livestock industry.<\/p>\n
Anthony Thomas, who runs Thomas Cattle and Catering \u2014 a family ranching operation in the Houston area \u2014 says he understands the pushback but sees an opportunity in the conversation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe tariffs, the recalls, the mystery beef \u2014 people wanting to know where their beef comes from has been extremely good for our family business here in Houston, Texas,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cThey want the rancher.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thomas sells his ground beef for $10 a pound at the Old Katy Farmers Market. He says buying in bulk can bring that price down \u2014 and he argues what customers are getting is worth the difference.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne pound of ground beef can come from 400 different animals when you buy it through a grocery store chain,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cThere\u2019s no actual traceability of where that beef is coming from. I think people want to know where their beef is coming from \u2014 and people that do well for themselves like to support Americans.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ray Law, owner of Law Ranch and Cattle Company, says he\u2019s seen the same shift in consumer mindset.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all about knowing where your beef is coming from, knowing your farmer,\u201d Law said. \u201cYou can see my pasture here \u2014 we\u2019re in East Harris County.\u201d<\/p>\n
The U.S. Cattlemen\u2019s Association says it was disappointed by Trump\u2019s order, warning that while the move may bring down consumer prices in the near term, American ranchers will ultimately pay the price.<\/p>\n
For now, the debate comes down to a familiar tension \u2014 lower prices at the grocery store versus the long-term health of the American cattle industry. And for Houston-area ranchers, the answer seems clear.<\/p>\n