Dear President Trump: Livestock Groups Send United Message on Beef Imports
August 26, 2026
Four major U.S. livestock organizations are joining together to urge the President to reverse course on a proposed plan to increase beef imports over the next 90 days.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, Livestock Marketing Association President Joe Goggins, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Gene Copenhaver and United States Cattlemen’s Association President Justin Tupper signed a joint letter expressing “deep concern” with the plan to import up to 300,000 metric tons of beef.
According to the letter, the stated purpose of the plan is to drive down beef prices, including selling imported product at prices that undercut domestic supplies. The livestock leaders argue that approach sends a discouraging message to U.S. farmers and ranchers.
The groups said they share the goal of keeping groceries affordable for American families but contend that increasing discounted foreign beef supplies is not a long-term solution.
“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,” the groups wrote.
The letter states that the announcement has already driven cattle markets sharply lower and comes at a critical time as producers market cattle and make decisions about rebuilding their herds.
The organizations also point to the higher costs producers have faced in recent years. They argue current beef prices reflect increased costs associated with raising cattle, grain and forage.
According to the letter, ranchers and farmers are beginning to experience the strong beef demand needed to reinvest in their operations following years of drought, high input costs, processing plant disruptions and other challenges that have reduced U.S. cattle numbers.
The groups warn that an influx of imported beef could discourage that investment and slow efforts to rebuild the U.S. cow herd.
They also frame the issue as one of long-term food security, arguing that using imports to address prices in the short term could have longer-term consequences for domestic beef production.
“We are deeply concerned that this import strategy sacrifices long-term food security for a short-term solution,” the organizations wrote.
The letter concludes by calling for fair and competitive cattle markets, honest price signals and policies that prioritize U.S. farmers, ranchers and consumers.
The four presidents are asking the administration to reverse course on the 90-day import plan and instead work with the livestock industry on policies they say would keep food affordable while strengthening domestic production.
“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,” the letter states.
Source: Western Ag Network
