As increased rain turns former deserts into lush grasslands and cornfields, China is expanding its domestic cattle herds to meet growing demand.

The shift is driven by a combination of climate change and trade policy. Rising precipitation has opened new grazing areas, while tariffs imposed by the US on beef imports have made foreign supply less attractive.

China’s beef industry is using the extra feed resources to raise more animals on home soil, reducing reliance on imported meat and boosting local employment. The government has also increased subsidies and improved breeding programs to support the expansion.

The move toward self-sufficiency could reshape global beef trade, lower transportation emissions, and help China meet its food security goals while navigating a changing climate.