President Donald Trump says the U.S. may begin importing beef from Argentina to help lower grocery prices. But the plan is facing backlash from cattle producers and Iowa farm groups. Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA, told our news partners at Radio Iowa that producers are already getting squeezed, while profits increasingly flow to major packers and retailers.
“The share of the consumer’s beef dollar flowing back to the producers has been reduced,” Bullard said, “while at the same time the share captured by the packers and retailers in this highly concentrated industry have been increasing.”
Bullard argues that additional imports could further reduce herd sizes and urges the administration to consider tariffs and quotas. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association also said the plan would create chaos without solving grocery price issues.
Meanwhile, farm groups in Iowa are voicing concern as well. In an October 20th article from Iowa Capital Dispatch, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association CEO Bryan Whaley called Trump’s comments concerning, noting that a lack of detail has created volatility in the market. Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson also chimed in warning the move could disrupt one of the few bright spots in Iowa’s ag economy.
