Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska has called on President Trump to focus on supporting American ranchers rather than increasing beef imports from foreign countries. The statement comes after the president indicated that the United States might consider purchasing beef from Argentina.

"Since hearing the president’s comments suggesting the U.S. would buy beef from Argentina, I’ve been in touch with his administration and my colleagues to seek clarity and express my deep concerns. I’ve also been sounding the alarm on the bleak state of our ag economy and the negative impacts facing Nebraska’s ag industry—the economic driver of our state. Bottom line: if the goal is addressing beef prices at the grocery store, this isn’t the way. Right now, government intervention in the beef market will hurt our cattle ranchers. The U.S. has safe, reliable beef, and it is the one bright spot in our struggling ag economy. Nebraska’s ranchers cannot afford to have the rug pulled out from under them when they’re just getting ahead or simply breaking even. I strongly encourage the Trump administration to focus on trade deals that benefit our ag producers—not imports that will do more harm than good," said Fischer.

Fischer emphasized that agriculture is a key part of Nebraska's economy and argued that introducing more imported beef could negatively affect local producers who are already facing financial challenges.