Cattle ranchers have a major problem with President Trump.
America’s cattle ranchers are pushing back against President Trump’s latest proposal to expand beef imports from Argentina — warning the move could hurt U.S. family farms and undermine the Made-in-America food supply that millions of families rely on.
“Don’t Undercut American Ranchers,” Says Cattle Association
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) released a strong statement Wednesday saying it “cannot stand” behind the administration’s plan, accusing officials — including Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins — of “undercutting the future of family farmers.”
“U.S. cattle producers already compete in one of the most demanding markets on earth,” the NCBA said on X (formerly Twitter). “We deliver the safest, highest-quality beef in the world — we simply ask that Washington stop importing more foreign beef to manipulate prices.”
Many ranchers see this as a test of loyalty to the American heartland — the same people who helped elect President Trump in hopes of protecting domestic agriculture from global competition and foreign overreach.
Ranchers Call for Investment in Rural Protection Projects
The NCBA is urging the administration to prioritize completion of the $750 million New World Screwworm facility in Edinburg, Texas — a massive project aimed at stopping a deadly livestock parasite that threatens herds across North and Central America.
The facility would produce over 300 million sterile flies each week, creating a natural barrier to protect U.S. cattle and prevent disease outbreaks that could devastate the beef industry.
Producers are also calling for stronger safeguards against animal diseases like foot-and-mouth disease, fewer federal regulations, and renewed investment in American agriculture infrastructure — not more foreign imports.
Trump Credits His Tariffs for Ranching Boom
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump defended his record with ranchers, pointing to his tough tariff policies as the reason the industry has flourished in recent years.
Trump wrote that America’s cattle ranchers “may not realize the only reason they’re finally thriving — after decades of struggle — is because I imposed strong tariffs on foreign cattle, including a 50% tariff on Brazil. Without those tariffs, they’d still be facing the same tough times they’ve endured for the past 20 years.”
The president’s comments reflect his long-standing belief in America First trade policies, though ranchers are now pressing for a balance between market protection and domestic independence.
A Test for America’s Rural Backbone
For many in the heartland, this dispute is about more than just beef — it’s about the survival of American farming families.
As foreign imports rise and regulatory costs grow, small ranchers say they’re being squeezed out while big corporations and overseas producers benefit.
While they continue to back President Trump’s leadership, ranchers say they want one thing made clear: American cattle should come from American soil.
