With the Trump administration’s announcement to quadruple beef imports from Argentina just days after Senator Mike Rounds had assured South Dakota producers that the president would do right by the American producer, members of Dakota Rural Action (DRA) and livestock producers around the state are calling on the state’s Congressional Delegation to stand up for them. The plan to increase beef imports followed the administration’s announcement offering up to $40 billion to bolster Argentina’s economy. Cattle prices have been the one bright spot in South Dakota’s agricultural economy, and now that market is threatened by an influx of imports.
“Despite Senator Rounds’s assurances a few days ago, the Trump administration is full speed ahead on increasing Argentine beef imports. This is not in the best interest for South Dakota farmers and ranchers. We raise safe, high-quality beef that should not be undercut by a faulty trade scheme,” said Roger Svec, a cattle producer and DRA member from Deuel County.
“For our operation, we buy yearlings and feed for slaughter. The big packers control the price that we get. Instead of increasing imports, we need more competition in the marketplace. Hopefully our steep investment in yearlings this year pays off, but the priority for imports over real support for local producers may do more harm than good, “ said Christopher Hicks, a cattle farmer and DRA member from Grant County.