Johnson, House GOP colleagues send letter to President Trump following reports of potential beef imports from Argentina

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and seven of his House Republican colleagues sent a letter to President Trump urging him to give American producers an opportunity to meet increased demand following reports that the United States may import beef from Argentina.  

Johnson was joined by U.S. Representatives Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Troy Downing (R-MT), Gabe Evans (R-CO), Derek Schmidt (R-KS), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), and August Pfluger (R-TX). In the letter, they highlight how American ranchers supply the world’s highest-quality beef and should not be undercut by foreign imports produced under lower standards. They call on the administration to ensure that any future trade decisions are made with “full transparency, sound science, and a firm commitment to the U.S. cattle industry.” 

“South Dakota's cattle producers set the standard for quality and safety in beef production,” said Johnson. “I understand the President’s efforts to strengthen trade and keep food affordable, but those efforts should not undermine the farmer and ranchers who put dinner on our tables. Any decision to import foreign beef must hold countries to the same gold-standard regulations our producers meet every day. American ranchers play by the rules, produce the best beef in the world, and they deserve a fair shot to compete.”

“We’ve all received a number of questions and calls from our constituents over the last few days, so we are asking for clarity on the administration’s long-term plans. Our farmers and ranchers stand ready to deliver on the President’s America-First agenda,” saidFedorchak. “North Dakotans take great pride in producing the safest, highest-quality beef in the world—and we should be building on that success. When it comes to beef, no one does it better than the United States.” 

Key Letter Excerpts: 

“America’s cattle producers are among the most resilient and hardworking in the nation. They’ve endured droughts, blizzards, and volatile markets while continuing to raise safe, high-quality beef that feeds families across America and around the world. Their work is a source of immense pride to our districts and to the broader U.S. agriculture community.”

“The United States maintains the gold standard for food safety and animal health. These safeguards are enforced daily by USDA inspectors and are a key reason consumers trust American beef. Any import policy must hold foreign suppliers to those same rigorous standards. Introducing beef from countries with inconsistent safety or inspection records could undermine the confidence that U.S. ranchers have worked decades to earn.”

“America’s producers can compete with anyone in the world. If given an opportunity, they will continue to respond quickly to the market demand for more quality American beef in our grocery stores.” 

Click here to read the full letter.