McDonald’s Pledges $200mn for US Beef Supply

Fast-food chain backs regenerative grazing to steady supply and restore up to 4mn acres of grassland

24 Feb 2026

McDonald’s will invest more than $200mn over seven years to expand regenerative grazing across as many as 4mn acres of US ranchland, in an effort to strengthen the grasslands that support its beef supply chain.

The programme, developed with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and backed by US Department of Agriculture conservation schemes, is intended to address rising environmental and supply risks facing cattle producers. The company said it is its largest commitment to regenerative agriculture to date.

Extreme weather, prolonged drought and soil degradation have increased pressure on US ranchers, raising concerns about long-term productivity and price stability. McDonald’s said the funding would support practices such as rotational grazing, soil restoration and improved water management, with grants distributed over time through structured programmes.

The NFWF will administer the grants and oversee conservation outcomes, while coordinating implementation with ranchers and local partners. USDA programmes will provide technical and financial support, aligning private capital with federal conservation priorities.

For ranchers, the initiative offers financial assistance and expertise to adopt land management practices aimed at improving soil health and water retention. For McDonald’s, the effort is designed to deepen relationships within its supply chain and reduce exposure to climate-related disruptions that can affect output and costs.

Large food buyers are increasingly linking environmental practices to supply security. Analysts say companies are moving beyond broad sustainability pledges towards programmes with clearer governance and measurable targets.

Measuring results across millions of acres, however, presents challenges. Environmental outcomes can vary by region and climate, and tracking progress requires consistent benchmarks and transparent reporting.

Major food groups have stepped up investment in land restoration as part of broader sourcing strategies. McDonald’s plan reflects a view that resilience in agricultural supply chains depends in part on soil and water management at the farm level. The company’s funding is intended to help scale such practices nationally while reinforcing the stability of its US beef supply.