Ranchers Fire Back at Trump’s Beef Post

President Donald Trump’s recent comments on U.S. beef prices have ignited a firestorm across the cattle industry, with ranchers, national farm organizations, and state officials sharply criticizing his suggestion that the U.S. could import more beef from Argentina to lower consumer prices.

In a Truth Social post on Wednesday afternoon, Trump wrote: “The Cattle Ranchers, who I love, don’t understand that the only reason they are doing so well, for the first time in decades, is because I put Tariffs on cattle coming into the United States, including a 50% Tariff on Brazil. If it weren’t for me, they would be doing just as they’ve done for the past 20 year — Terrible!”

The post followed remarks he made aboard Air Force One on Sunday, when he said, “We would buy some beef from Argentina. If we do that, that will bring our beef prices down.”

Prior to Sunday’s remarks, news broke that the Trump administration was exploring ways to lower beef prices for U.S. consumers. The mere suggestion shook the markets, sending feeder cattle futures more than $9 lower to close out the week.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association responded swiftly to Trump’s Truth post, rejecting Trump’s characterization of the market and his proposed import plan.

“The reality is that ranchers’ success is driven by their own hard work. America’s cattlemen and women operate in one of the most competitive marketplaces in the world. U.S. cattle producers are proud to provide the safest, highest-quality beef on earth,” the association said in a statement on Facebook.

“Cattlemen and women cannot stand behind President Trump while he undercuts the future of family farmers and ranchers by importing Argentinian beef. It is imperative that President Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins let cattle markets work without interference,” NCBA said.

On Tuesday evening, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins appeared on NewsNation’s The Hill and touted the administration’s “big announcement” to help ranchers. That came in the form of a three-section plan announced Wednesday afternoon that would help protect ranchers, improve transparency and market access, and spur beef demand.

Still, across social platforms, ranchers and ag watchers voiced frustration, skepticism, and a few words of cautious agreement about the situation.

Michael Campbell countered, “You are wrong there Donald…..Cattle are high because the herd size in the US is the lowest it’s been in 70 years. You might want to go back to school on that one buddy!”

Don Lincoln offered a biting quip, “He may not know much about the cow/calf business, but he has sure mastered the art of bull.”

John Stasinos went further, saying, “When is enough, enough? It’s time to get this administration out. How many chances does an inept leader get after he shows that he has absolutely no idea what he’s doing? Inane rhetoric, pseudo machismo, and poorly made AI videos can’t hide what is plain to see.”

National and state organizations respond

NCBA urged the administration to focus instead on “completing the promised New World Screwworm facility in Texas,” investing in protections against foreign animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, and addressing ongoing regulatory burdens.

NCBA CEO Colin Woodall commented on the threat on Monday to U.S. producers writing, “This plan only creates chaos at a critical time of the year for American cattle producers, while doing nothing to lower grocery store prices. Additionally, Argentina has a deeply unbalanced trade relationship with the U.S. … Argentina also has a history of foot-and-mouth disease, which if brought to the U.S., could decimate our domestic livestock production.”

The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association also expressed alarm at the proposal. “Government intervention is not needed in an industry that is already correcting in response to years of market pressure,” said President Justin Tupper. “Today’s comments alone triggered an immediate reaction in the markets — cattle futures dropped significantly. … Increasing imports under current rules ultimately benefits foreign suppliers and multinational packers, while putting U.S. ranchers on the losing end.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation echoed similar concerns. “We know America’s families face challenges when food prices rise, but it’s important for President Trump to remember that farmers are facing an economic storm as well, and a vibrant U.S. cattle herd is at stake,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Just the mention of beef imports created more instability and uncertainty for America’s farmers. Flooding markets with foreign-grown beef could affect our nation’s ability to be food independent in the long-term.”

From the National Farmers Union, President Rob Larew criticized the move as misguided. “Lowering beef prices for consumers starts with restoring fairness in the marketplace, not by importing beef from Argentina and undercutting American ranchers. … The answer isn’t foreign beef; it’s rebuilding herds to meet domestic demand, restoring competition in meatpacking, enacting mandatory country-of-origin labeling … and creating a fair marketplace that works for both farmers and consumers.”

At the state level, agricultural leaders have also weighed in.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller suggested alternatives that would strengthen domestic production. “Instead of offshoring our beef production by buying Argentinian beef … we should consider importing breeding stock to increase our own U.S. beef production capacity,” Miller said.

Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) urged the administration to reconsider. “If the goal is addressing beef prices at the grocery store, this isn’t the way. … Nebraska’s ranchers cannot afford to have the rug pulled out from under them when they’re just getting ahead or simply breaking even.”

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation expressed concern over market volatility and the potential harm to local producers. ICA CEO Bryan Whaley noted, “Members have been reaching out to express their concerns, specifically the impact on cattle market prices following the announcement.”

The administration has not yet released details on any formal import proposal. However, officials at the USDA and Department of Justice are reportedly working on initiatives focused on antitrust enforcement and price transparency in the beef supply chain.