Hunter
10/23/25
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association has issued an official response to President Donald Trump’s plan to import beef from Argentina to bring prices down.
The President, in a social media post Wednesday, said, “The Cattle Ranchers, who I love, don’t understand that the only reason they are doing so well, for the first time in decades, is because I put Tariffs on cattle coming into the United States, including a 50% Tariff on Brazil,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“If it weren’t for me, they would be doing just as they’ve done for the past 20 years — Terrible!”
American farmers have raised concern over Trump’s trade war with China, which has curtailed their ability to sell crops, including soybeans. Beef producers cite a decades-low supply of cattle due to drought, forced culling of herds, and a lack of cattle available from Mexico due to disease.
Wednesday, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association released a statement criticizing the Trump Administration’s plan to bring Argentinian beef to American grocery stores. It said in part, “…comments from President Trump undermine the hard work of U.S. producers, whom he himself has referenced as the backbone of America. The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will continue to work with our partners and legislators in Washington, D.C. to push our message forward — that government intervention is not the answer.”
The full release follows.
ICA RESPONDS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S COMMENTS ABOUT U.S. CATTLE PRODUCERS
AMES, Iowa – In response to comments made earlier today by President Trump regarding U.S. cattle producers
and the increase of beef imports from Argentina as a way to lower beef prices, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association has
issued the following statement in response.
“President Trump’s reaction to the cattle industry’s comments regarding his plan to import additional Argentine beef is
disconcerting. This administration needs to know and recognize that words matter. Through President Trump’s
continued rhetoric regarding beef prices, he continues to create undue harm to U.S. cattle producers, inhibiting their
ability to make smart marketing decisions that directly impact their long-term profitability. These unnecessary market
swings influence the daily lives of those working to raise a safe beef product for consumers, a product still in high
demand. Today’s comments from President Trump undermine the hard work of U.S. producers, whom he himself has
referenced as the backbone of America. The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will continue to work with our partners and
legislators in Washington, D.C. to push our message forward — that government intervention is not the answer.” – Iowa
Cattlemen’s Association
Earlier this week, there was speculation about President Trump’s plan following offhand remarks alluding to imports of
Argentine beef, but little context or detail was provided at the time. Below are the initial comments offered by the Iowa
Cattlemen’s Association as we closely monitored the situation and sought to understand the intent.
“President Trump’s recent remarks about potentially importing more Argentinian beef are concerning for U.S. cattle
producers, and the little detail that accompanied those comments has created unnecessary volatility in the market and
led to detrimental results for our producers,”said Bryan Whaley, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association CEO. “Members of the
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association have been reaching out to express their concerns, specifically the impact on cattle market
prices following the announcement. We are monitoring this situation closely, awaiting important details, as well as
collaborating with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to join our members’ concerns and voice with other states
to elevate this industry issue on a national level. What we know is that consumer demand for the high-quality beef
raised by U.S. producers has remained strong, despite the increased costs caused by drought, border closures, and high
input costs to producers. Simply put, it is supply and demand economics. The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will continue
to work with our partners to communicate the message to President Trump, the USDA, and other leaders to avoid
intervention and let the market work.”
As this story continues to unfold, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will remain diligent in advocating on behalf of our
members and making their voices heard.
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About Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA): Iowa Cattlemen’s Association represents nearly 8,000 beef cattle producer
families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa’s beef industry. ICA’s mission is “Grow Iowa’s beef
business through advocacy, leadership, and education.” www.iacattlemen.org.