Beef Import Threats
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. An attempt to lower grocery prices may have significant unintended consequences for America’s ranchers.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says President Trump’s plan to increase beef imports from places like Argentina threatens an already fragile recovery for cattle farmers and the industry in general …
DUVALL … “Farmers are facing an economic storm. They’re being paid historically low prices for crops across the board, while expenses remain high. Many beef farmers have operated in the red for several years as well.”
And, Duvall says if the expenses farmers and ranchers are currently dealing with wasn’t enough …
DUVALL … “Now, talk of importing beef from Argentina threatens the fragile recovery cattle farmers are just starting to experience. Just the mention of beef imports creates more volatility and uncertainty in rural America. Flooding markets with foreign-grown beef could also affect our nation’s ability to remain food independent.”
So, when all is said and done, Duvall says cattle farmers could use a little more understanding …
DUVALL … “We urge the Trump administration to carefully consider the damage importing more beef and cattle from other countries will have on America’s cattle farmers.”
That is Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.
