Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing has released a statement after the announcement regarding the importing of beef tariff-free and the potential impacts for Minnesota farmers and ranchers.

“Today’s announcement to allow foreign beef to enter the United States tariff-free is deeply concerning for Minnesota cattle producers. At a time when farmers and ranchers are facing high input costs and working to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd, increasing imports sends the wrong signal. Additional imports could put downward pressure on the prices Minnesota cattle producers receive while doing little to lower costs for consumers. Our producers need a market that rewards their investments. 

 Free markets, not short-term government intervention, are the best way to a strong cattle industry and a reliable and affordable beef supply for consumers. We urge the administration to reconsider this approach and instead focus on reducing input costs to help strengthen American beef production.”