"The National Cattlemen's Beef Association along with the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America and other farming groups - who are normally some of the president's biggest supporters - all criticized Trump's idea because of what it could do to American ranchers and feedlot operators. And agricultural economists say Argentine beef accounts for such a small slice of beef imports - only about 2% - that even doubling that wouldn't change prices much."
"South Dakota rancher Brett Kenzy said he wants American consumers to determine whether beef is too expensive, not the government. And so far there is little sign that consumers are substituting chicken or other proteins for beef on their shopping lists even though the average price of a pound of ground beef hit its highest point ever at $6.32 in the latest report before the government shutdown began. "I love 'Make America Great Again' rhetoric. I love 'America First' rhetoric," he said. "But to me this feels a lot like the failed policies of the past - the free trade sourcing cheap global goods.""
"Several factors have sent beef prices soaring, starting with continued strong demand combined with the smallest U.S. herd size since 1961. In part, that small herd is due to years of drought and low cattle prices. Beef imports also are down overall because of the 50% tariffs that Trump imposed on Brazil, a big beef exporter, and limits on Mexico, where the country is fighting a flesh-eating pest. Kansas State University agricultural economist Glynn Tonsor said Argentina can't produce enough beef to offset those other losses of imports."
Trump proposed increasing Argentine beef imports to lower domestic beef prices, but major U.S. ranching groups oppose the idea as harmful to American producers. Agricultural economists note Argentine beef comprises roughly 2% of U.S. beef imports, so doubling that supply would have limited effect on retail prices. Surging beef prices result from sustained strong demand and the smallest U.S. cattle herd since 1961, partly caused by drought and prior low cattle prices. Tariffs on Brazil and limits related to pests in Mexico have further reduced alternative import sources, constraining overall supply.
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