SOUTH DAKOTA – South Dakota cattle producers and political leaders are voicing concerns after President Donald Trump announced plans to allow 300,000 metric tons of foreign ground beef into the United States tariff-free over the next 90 days.
The president says the move will help lower grocery prices for consumers, but ranchers say it could hurt local producers at a time when the nation’s cattle herd is already at its lowest level in decades.
South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association President Craig Bieber says cattle markets have dropped since the announcement and criticized the lack of details surrounding the proposed deal.
Democratic congressional candidate Nikki Gronli warned the imports could force some struggling ranchers out of business, while American Farm Bureau leaders say increased reliance on foreign food sources could threaten long-term food security.
Republican congressional candidate and South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley supports upcoming tariffs on Canadian imports but says he does not support the foreign beef import plan, citing his record of defending U.S. beef labeling protections.
Industry leaders are encouraging ranchers to explore risk-protection programs as uncertainty continues in cattle markets.
Comments