Cattle ranchers across the U.S. continue to express frustration after President Trump announced plans to expand beef imports from Argentina, a move he says could help lower consumer prices.
For some ranchers who finally saw profits after years of financial struggle, the proposal feels like “a slap in the face.” American cattle producers argue that importing more foreign beef would undermine their recovery just as the industry begins to stabilize. While the USDA has rolled out a new plan to support domestic ranchers, groups like the United States Cattlemen’s Association remain “deeply concerned,” saying the import deal could weaken the foundation of the U.S. cattle industry.
Ranchers point out that high beef prices stem not from their actions, but from low cattle inventories, drought, and the dominance of a few major meatpacking companies controlling most of the market. Recent settlements involving Tyson Foods and Cargill over price-fixing allegations have also further fueled mistrust in the system.
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