BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – North Dakota agriculture leaders and elected officials are criticizing a Trump administration plan to allow 300,000 metric tons of foreign ground beef into the country tariff-free, warning the move will harm local cattle producers.
Under the administration’s temporary measure, foreign beef will enter the United States without facing higher out-of-quota tariffs. While federal policymakers aim to lower consumer grocery bills, state industry representatives argue the policy undercuts domestic ranchers at a critical market juncture.
“We all want lower grocery prices, but we cannot do so on the backs of North Dakota ranchers,” U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak, R-N.D., said in a statement Friday. Fedorchak noted the timing is particularly damaging as ranchers are actively taking feeder cattle to market. She added that she has contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure import safety standards are met and to request updates on ongoing investigations into meatpacking industry practices.
Randy Schmitt, president of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, said cattle markets reacted sharply to the announcement, creating additional uncertainty for producers making herd decisions.
“Artificially manipulating prices creates greater uncertainty and economic harm,” Schmitt said, urging federal leaders to allow markets to function naturally to ensure long-term domestic supply.
