Common Ground Coalition Summit Focuses on Cattle Growth
The Common Ground Coalition brought livestock producers and industry representatives together in Nashville for its Eastern Region Summit, continuing a series of regional meetings aimed at developing practical solutions for the future of cattle production, rural communities, and the U.S. food supply.
The 32 participants used collaborative, think-tank-style discussions to identify areas where producers and industry stakeholders could reach common ground.
The Nashville meeting highlighted the importance of small cow-calf operations and their contribution to rural economies and the broader cattle industry. Participants discussed ways to help these producers remain viable while strengthening the national cow herd.
“Participating in the Common Ground Coalition Eastern Region Summit was a humbling and rewarding experience,” said Kentucky cattle producer, Renee Carrico.
“While our average herd sizes are many times smaller than our neighbors to the west, the importance of livestock producers of all sizes to expand the national cow herd and maintain food security was felt in the room.”
The 32 industry stakeholders reached common ground on priorities, which included improving access to financing, preserving grazing and agricultural land, creating better succession and ownership opportunities, strengthening the workforce, and updating risk-management programs.
"Whether they were cow-calf, stocker, or seedstock producers, everyone at the table had a voice," said Carrico.
"The summit created meaningful opportunities for participants to share their experiences, gain new perspectives, and build a deeper understanding of the issues impacting livestock producers across the region."
Among the recommendations were expanded financing options for emerging producers, improved land-transfer and succession resources, workforce development programs, and stronger support for agricultural labor.
Participants also called for more affordable and flexible Livestock Risk Protection coverage and modernization of Farm Service Agency financing programs.
Additional priorities included animal health research, improved healthcare and employee benefits for rural workers, updated cattle market reporting, and enhanced risk-management tools. The coalition also explored innovative financing concepts, including a potential food security bond.
The Eastern Region findings will be combined with recommendations from other 2026 regional summits in Reno, Omaha, and Fort Worth. The coalition emphasized that only proposals receiving sufficient consensus moved forward.
“While access to land and capital remain challenges shared by producers nationwide, issues such as Livestock Risk Protection and workforce development generated region-specific discussion,” said Carrico.
“What united everyone in the room was a shared understanding that all cattle producers, regardless of size, are essential to the strength, growth, and future success of our industry.”
Photo Credit: common-ground-coalition