A Blow to U.S. Agriculture 

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall commented on the presidential proclamation issued today by President Trump that allows beef imports to increase by 300,000 metric tons – more than 660 million pounds – over a 90-day period, undermining the U.S. cattle sector’s recovery.   

“One of the few bright spots for U.S. agriculture right now – the cattle sector – just became dimmer because of today’s presidential proclamation. The timing of this proclamation is a gut punch to ranchers’ bottom line. The claim of ensuring these added imports do not ‘disrupt the orderly marketing of commodities in the U.S.’ falls flat when ranchers are now selling their cattle into a market in sharp decline. It’s not too late to reverse this decision, and we urge the president to consider the economic harm this causes America’s ranchers.   

“A strong domestic food supply is easy to take for granted … until it’s gone. We also urge the administration not to make any changes to the renewable fuel standard that would further destabilize farmers who raise corn, soybeans and other crops. Farmers and ranchers are proud to raise the food, fiber and fuel America’s families rely on, but pride doesn’t pay the bills in an upside-down farm economy.”