Part of what I find amusing here is that Texas has a huge libertarian bend to it. The current government of Argentina is also based on libertarian anarcho capitalist ideas; also the inspiration behind DOGE. Now that these robust individuals have to compete and face off in the market they have problems?
Texas ranchers are pushing back against President Donald Trump’s proposal for the United States to purchase beef from Argentina in an effort to lower prices for American consumers.
“We would buy some beef from Argentina,” Trump said Sunday aboard Air Force One, during a flight from Florida to Washington. “If we do that, that will bring our beef prices down.”
Earlier in the week, Trump promised to address rising food costs as part of broader efforts to curb inflation. U.S. beef prices have surged due to a combination of drought, herd reductions, and a sharp drop in Mexican imports following outbreaks of screwworm—a flesh-eating pest that has devastated cattle herds. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the beef and veal index rose 13.9 percent in the 12 months leading up to August. Prices for uncooked beef steaks jumped 16.6 percent over the same period.
Industry experts say high beef prices are unlikely to ease soon due to the long timeline required to rebuild cattle herds, along with import restrictions and tariffs on key suppliers such as Brazil.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the national affiliate of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, issued a statement criticizing the proposal. CEO Colin Woodall said the plan unfairly benefits foreign producers at the expense of American ranchers.
“NCBA’s family farmers and ranchers have numerous concerns with importing more Argentinian beef to lower prices for consumers,” Woodall said. “This plan only creates chaos at a critical time of the year for American cattle producers, while doing nothing to lower grocery store prices.” Beef prices remain high as federal officials weigh new import strategies.
Beef prices remain high as federal officials weigh new import strategies. RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images
Woodall also pointed to trade imbalances and disease concerns. “In the past five years Argentina has sold more than $801 million of beef into the U.S. market,” he said. “By comparison, the U.S. has sold just over $7 million worth of American beef to Argentina. Argentina also has a history of foot-and-mouth disease, which if brought to the United States, could decimate our domestic livestock production.”
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller also voiced opposition to the proposal, calling on the federal government to invest in domestic production instead of foreign imports.
“Instead of offshoring our beef production by buying Argentinian beef, which would increase our already substantial $50 billion agricultural trade deficit, we should consider importing breeding stock to increase our own U.S. beef production capacity,” Miller said in a statement to Chron.
“Other opportunities to consider include opening federal lands to grazing and offering tax incentives to increase U.S. beef production,” Miller added. “That would encourage more breeding stock and increased herds. All of these options would benefit both U.S. families and the American rancher, and I hope the White House will carefully consider them.”
The Beef Initiative Association Council (TBIAC), a Texas-based beef industry advocacy group led by ranchers Texas Slim and Justin Trammel, echoed the criticism. In a series of posts on X, the group accused the federal government of prioritizing foreign nations over American producers.
“In 67 years we lose the last U.S. rancher!” one post read. “The feds have again chosen a foreign nation over our own family farmers! America’s ranchers are ready to feed this nation. Are you going to stand with them? Buy rancher direct beef.”
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The group voiced continued support for Trump, while rejecting the proposed deal. “President Trump we support you but American food sovereignty should not come second to Argentina or any country! America first!” another post read.
“Buying Argentina beef to ‘lower prices’ is a band-aid that buries the American rancher,” TBIAC wrote. “Family farmers are finally clawing back to breakeven after years of losses. Don’t let the White House hand corporate packers another win!”
Trump’s announcement coincides with a $20 billion U.S.-backed bailout package aimed at helping Argentina avoid a deepening economic crisis. The move is intended to support President Javier Milei, a close ally of Trump’s, but has drawn criticism from farmers and members of Trump’s own political base.