08/27/2026
U.S. CATTLE REPORT đ Cattle Industry Sends Letter to President Trump Opposing 300,000 Metric Tons of Beef Imports
The Honorable Donald J. Trump
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
On behalf of Americaâs cattle producers and the broader livestock industry, we write to express our deep concern with your announced plan to import up to 300,000 metric tons of beef over the next 90-days. The stated purpose of driving down beef prices and the commitment to sell it at a price that undercuts domestic supply send a disheartening message to farmers and ranchers across the country.
We share your goal of keeping groceries affordable for American families. However, flooding the market with discounted foreign beef is not the way to rebuild the American cattle herd, strengthen food security, or lower grocery bills in a lasting way. This announcement has already driven cattle markets sharply lower and undermines producers at a critical time of year when they are marketing cattle and making herd building decisions.
Beef prices are in line with other consumer prices and reflect the inflated cost of raising cattle, grain, and forage. Ranchers and farmers are finally experiencing the strong beef demand needed to invest in their operations after years of drought, high input costs, processing plant disruptions, and other challenges that have reduced cattle numbers. This announcement will discourage investment in the U.S. cow herd and undo the progress producers have made.
We are deeply concerned that this import strategy sacrifices long term food security for a short-term solution. Americans deserve safe and wholesome beef free from any market distorting actions. There is nothing more American than beef, and we look to your leadership to ensure resilience for our farmers and ranchers, which is the only long-term way to prevent higher grocery costs and maintain control over our food supply.
American cattle producers are asking you for a fair and competitive market, honest price signals, and policies that put U.S. farmers, ranchers, and consumers first. We urge you to reverse course on this 90 day import plan and work with us instead on solutions that strengthen, rather than weaken, Americaâs capacity to feed itself. We stand ready to work with you on policies that keep food affordable, protect producers and consumers, and preserve a viable future for the U.S. cattle industry.
Respectfully,
Zippy Duvall, President
American Farm Bureau Federation
Joe Goggins, President
Livestock Marketing Association
Gene Copenhaver, President
National Cattlemen's Beef Association
Justin Tupper, President
United States Cattlemen's Association
American Farm Bureau Federation National Cattlemen's Beef Association United States Cattlemen's Association Livestock Marketing Association Fox News
