U.S. cattle organizations are urging President Donald Trump to reverse a plan allowing 300,000 metric tons of discounted foreign beef into the country over the next 90 days.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Livestock Marketing Association, American Farm Bureau Federation and United States Cattlemen’s Association jointly warned that importing beef specifically priced to undercut domestic supplies would harm American cattle producers.
The groups said the announcement has already pressured cattle markets at a critical time, as producers market calves and make decisions about retaining heifers and rebuilding the nation’s historically small cattle herd.
While acknowledging the need to keep groceries affordable, cattle leaders argue that flooding the market with discounted imports sacrifices long-term stability for a short-term reduction in retail prices. They warn that discouraging domestic production could ultimately make the United States more dependent on foreign beef and leave consumers vulnerable to future supply disruptions.