Four prominent national livestock and agricultural organizations, including the United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA), sent a letter today to President Trump, urging him to reverse a proposed 90-day plan to import up to 300,000 metric tons of beef. The groups contend this plan would undermine the long-term stability of the U.S. cattle industry and negatively impact producers in Aiken and across the nation.
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), and USCA collectively expressed deep concern that flooding the market with discounted foreign beef would discourage investment in the U.S. cow herd. They argue that this action sends a disheartening message to farmers and ranchers, particularly at a critical time when they are marketing cattle and making herd-building decisions. The organizations noted that the announcement has already caused cattle markets to decline sharply.
The letter emphasized that current beef prices reflect the inflated costs of raising cattle, grain, and forage, rather than being out of line with other consumer prices. After years of challenges such as drought, high input costs, and processing plant disruptions, ranchers and farmers have only recently begun to experience strong beef demand, which is essential for investing in their operations. The groups believe the import strategy sacrifices long-term food security for a short-term solution.
The organizations called on the administration to collaborate with industry stakeholders on solutions that ensure food affordability while simultaneously protecting producers and consumers, and strengthening the nation’s capacity to produce its own food. They stressed the importance of a fair and competitive market, honest price signals, and policies that prioritize U.S. farmers, ranchers, and consumers. The groups stated their readiness to work with the President on policies that maintain affordable food, safeguard producers and consumers, and preserve a viable future for the U.S. cattle industry.
