March 24th is National Agriculture Day.
This year, it was commemorated by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who spent the day highlighting how the voluntary “Product of USA” meat label is used in a new campaign promoting the standard.
Rollins made the announcement during her opening remarks at a March 24 Ag Day at USDA event in Washington, D.C.“This new label is about enhancing competitiveness for our producers — our great American producers — by leveling the playing field and increasing transparency through truthful labeling,” Rollins said. “What our ranchers raise in this country is the very best in the entire world.”The voluntary labeling standard went into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, and is now being promoted by USDA. Its finalization was first announced by former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in March of 2024 at the National Farmers Union Annual Convention.Under the standard, the “Product of USA” label is reserved exclusively for meat, poultry, and egg products from animals born, raised, harvested, and processed in the U.S. Any company that makes the voluntary claim has to meet those requirements. The prior practice allowed imported products to make the claim after minimal processing, according to USDA.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a proponent of all the delicious and nutritious goodness of beef, highlighted his agency’s push for real food over processed items.
“Our farmers and ranchers are essential to putting real food back at the center of the American plate and delivering on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” said Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “‘Product of the USA’ labeling puts American producers first, gives families clear, honest information and empowers them to choose food raised right here at home.”“U.S. producers are the best in the world, and produce the highest-quality products,” said Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.). “A ‘Product of USA’ label benefits our ranchers and provides transparency and confidence for consumers. We appreciate Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration for their efforts to support our farmers, ranchers and rural communities.”
As the labels are for eggs and meat, which are now a key component of the Food and Drug Administration’s upside-down food pyramid, it’s worthwhile to check the projected prices for Americans.
While the egg supply seems to be recovering from the bird flu, meat supplies may remain tight.
Among food categories, beef and veal prices remain elevated, even after a slight monthly dip. USDA reports beef prices were 15 percent higher in January 2026 than a year earlier, reflecting tight cattle supplies and continued strong consumer demand.Beef and veal prices are forecast to increase 5.5 percent in 2026, with wide uncertainty depending on cattle herd expansion and market conditions.In contrast, egg prices are expected to fall significantly. Retail egg prices dropped more than 34 percent year over year in January 2026 as production recovered following Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreaks in late 2024 and early 2025.USDA projects egg prices will decline 27.4 percent in 2026, as flock sizes and output continue to rebound…. [P]oultry prices are expected to remain relatively flat, while pork prices are projected to rise modestly.
On this National Agriculture Day, the focus on the “Product of USA” label serves as both a marketing tool and a statement of values.
We can celebrate the achievements of American ranchers and poultry farmers, and continue to strengthen our country’s food supply chain and food security.
While beef prices may still test household budgets and herd sizes remain uncertain, there’s cause for cautious optimism: consumers are gaining clarity, domestic producers are gaining ground, and families can choose food that best suits their needs from sources they can trust.
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