Trump’s beef import plan angers ranchers

The president wants to increase the amount of Argentine beef imports, angering cattle country, which is finally starting to make a profit after years of struggle, writes Kevin Draper from New York

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American ranchers, a longstanding bloc of support for President Donald Trump, are voicing frustration over his plan to increase imports of beef from Argentina.

Beef prices are at record highs, and the president is seeking ways to lower the cost of burgers and steaks for the average US shopper. Last week, Trump first floated the idea of buying more Argentine beef. It’s also another way the United States could help prop up the Latin American nation's sagging economy, which Trump has said he wants to do.

On Wednesday, the White House made it official, saying that the United States would quadruple the amount of Argentine beef it allows into the country annually at a lower tariff rate.

In the days it took to complete the plan, Trump heard plenty of anger and scepticism from cattle country. The American cattle herd is at its smallest size since the 1950s, and finally, ranchers are benefiting from higher prices because of the smaller supply and considering investing profits to rebuild their herds.

“It’s really just a kick in the nuts,’ said Kyle Hemmert, 61, who gothis first cow in second grade and now has a herd of about 275 cattle in western Kansas. “Come on, President Trump, this is ‘America First’ policy? No”

Mr Hemmert is a supporter of the president and said he was not afraid to compete with ranchers and beef from other countries. But Trump’s plans are making him and many of his rural neighbours upset. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, which is the largest trade organisation representing the beef and cattle industry and has backed most of the president's trade war, called the White House’s efforts “misguided”

“The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and its members cannot stand behind the president while he undercuts the future of family farmers and ranchers by importing Argentine beef in an attempt to influence prices,” Colin Woodall, the organisation's chief executive, said in a statement.