Republican leaders call for fair trade policies protecting US ranchers
U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson of South Dakota, along with seven Republican colleagues, has urged President Trump to protect American beef producers following reports of potential beef imports from Argentina.
The lawmakers stressed that American ranchers supply the world’s highest-quality beef and should not face competition from countries operating under lower production standards. They called on the administration to make trade decisions based on “full transparency, sound science, and a firm commitment to the U.S. cattle industry.”
“South Dakota's cattle producers set the standard for quality and safety in beef production,” said Johnson. “I understand the President’s efforts to strengthen trade and keep food affordable, but those efforts should not undermine the farmer and ranchers who put dinner on our tables. Any decision to import foreign beef must hold countries to the same gold-standard regulations our producers meet every day. American ranchers play by the rules, produce the best beef in the world, and they deserve a fair shot to compete.”
Representative Julie Fedorchak added that North Dakotans take great pride in producing safe and high-quality beef. She called for clarity on the administration’s long-term trade plans and reaffirmed support for the President’s America-First agenda.
In their letter, the lawmakers noted that U.S. cattle producers have overcome challenges like drought, blizzards, and volatile markets while maintaining exceptional food safety and quality. They reminded the administration that U.S. beef standards, enforced by USDA inspectors, ensure consumer confidence and must be upheld in all trade decisions.
The group concluded that American ranchers can successfully meet market demands if given the opportunity, ensuring continued delivery of premium beef to families across the nation and beyond.
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