AFR Opposes Proposal to Import Beef from Argentina
Following President Trump’s comments late last week about expanding beef imports from Argentina to lower prices for American consumers, AFR Cooperative has been closely monitoring the discussion in hopes of hearing a reversal or explanation out of Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, no additional information has materialized from either the White House or from USDA Secretary Rollins. As we wait for news out of Washington, AFR Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh and the AFR Cooperative officer team have released this statement: “Years of drought, low cattle prices, high input costs, and rampant industry consolidation have left America’s ranchers operating in the red and discouraged them from expanding their herds, resulting in a U.S. cattle herd that’s the smallest it’s been since 1951. Now that cattle producers are finally seeing a profit for years of hard work, the Trump administration is considering increasing imports of cheap foreign beef. This move could weaken the cattle market, reduce rancher confidence in the future of our industry, and result in an even smaller U.S. cattle herd. With the rest of our country’s farm economy in shambles, this is the last thing we need. Undercutting American ranchers is not a viable pathway to lowering beef costs for consumers. Increased imports of cheap foreign beef will only increase profits for large multinational meatpackers, while introducing further uncertainty into the American cattle industry and undermining the rural communities America relies on. It will not reduce costs for consumers and will put our nation in a worse position to supply food to our own people. America’s cattle ranchers continue to produce a nutrient-dense protein at an affordable price. While beef prices may seem high, they are reflective of the current cost of raising cattle, and when adjusted for inflation, are consistent with retail prices over the last 40 years. The average American today can purchase a pound of ground beef for roughly the same 12 minutes of work as in the 1980s. In order to maintain this consistent supply of safe, quality protein, America needs a robust cattle industry. The Trump administration has shown an appetite to help us solve some of the issues. We hope the administration returns to its America First playbook and focuses on supporting our farmers and ranchers, not increasing profits for packers or propping up foreign governments. The future of America’s cattle industry is at stake.” About American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union: AFR is a membership services organization established in 1905 as Oklahoma Farmers Union. AFR provides educational, legislative and cooperative programs across the state and serves as a watchdog for Oklahoma’s family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. The organization is actively supportive of the state’s agricultural industry and rural population with membership consisting of farmers actively involved in production agriculture and non-farmers adding their voices in support of AFR principles.
AFBF Cautions Against Disrupting Fragile U.S. Beef Supply
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the future of America’s beef supply. “Farm families are no different from other American families. We feel the impact of higher grocery costs, but don’t get to set the prices. Meanwhile, farmers are suffering through an economic storm – expenses remain high, and cattle farms have been decimated by years of low prices, drought and the threat of the New World screwworm. They are just beginning to experience a fragile recovery. “This is a pivotal moment for America’s cattle farmers as they make decisions whether to restock their pastures. Farmers know America’s families prefer to buy U.S. beef. If expanded imports push farmers deeper into the red, we face the unintended consequence of increasing reliance on other countries for our food and weakening our ability to rebuild a strong American herd.”
TSCRA urges pause on Argentinian beef import expansion
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association released the following statement after President Trump suggested reducing consumer beef prices by increasing imports of Argentinian beef: “While we appreciate the Trump administration’s ongoing support for ranchers and landowners, we strongly oppose the proposal to increase beef imports from Argentina. Importing beef from a country where foot and mouth disease is present poses a serious threat to the health of the U.S. cattle herd. It also undermines efforts to stabilize the market through natural herd rebuilding. Rather than turning to risky imports, we urge the administration to support long-term solutions that preserve herd health, incentivize an expansion in domestic beef production and protect the livelihoods of American ranchers.”
USCA Comments on President Trump’s Remarks Regarding Beef Prices and Proposed Imports from Argentina
United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) welcomes USDA’s newly unveiled “Plan for American Ranchers and Consumers,” which outlines several positive steps for the nation’s livestock sector. USCA commends the unveiled concepts such as the grazing action plan and predator management. USCA also underscores the important inclusion and enforcement of key existing tools in this plan—such as the recognition of protein’s role within federal dietary guidelines, meaningful support for small and independent processing facilities, and rigorous enforcement of voluntary labeling provisions. These priorities are closely aligned with longstanding industry concerns, and USCA appreciates USDA’s recognition of policies and programs that advance the interests of American cattle producers and consumers alike. However, USCA is deeply concerned about reports that the Administration may move forward with a purchase of 80,000 metric tons of beef from Argentina—quadruple the existing import quota. “We oppose this kind of government intervention in the marketplace and will continue to defend ranchers from this action,” said Justin Tupper, President of USCA. Following President Trump’s social media post today regarding ranchers, the market reacted. Both live and feeder cattle prices dropped dramatically, directly harming American producers. Despite the positive aspects of USDA’s plan, increasing beef imports poses an immediate and significant threat to U.S. ranchers. “We will remain vigilant and committed to representing U.S. cattle producers on this critical issue. USCA believes in America First, and that begins with standing shoulder to shoulder with the hardworking people who raise the safest, highest-quality beef in the world,” Tupper added. “A deal of this magnitude with Argentina would undercut the very foundation of our cattle industry. Flooding the market with imports would undermine U.S. cattle producers, drive down prices for family ranchers, and weaken the fabric of rural America. Our policies should strengthen American agriculture—not put it at greater risk.”
