Decades In the Making: U.S. beef imports can officially be sent to Australia starting today

U.S. beef producers can begin sending fresh and frozen beef to Australia starting today.

USDA confirmed the agreement last week. NCBA says it is a long time coming, noting U.S. beef producers have been locked out of the Australian market for 20 years. During the same time, officials say producers there have sent around $29 billion worth of beef onto U.S. shores.

However, down under, cattle groups say they are not worried. Executives at Cattle Australia say their domestic beef prices are lower than in the United States, largely because their herd is bigger.

Related Stories
A stalled World Trade Organization appeals body increases long-term trade policy risk for U.S. agriculture.
Reliable canal infrastructure supports long-term access to global agricultural markets.
Corn export pace remains the bright spot, but stable ethanol export demand remains a critical support for corn markets.
Expanded global trade access boosts long-term export demand potential for U.S. ag products.
Border closures tied to the threat of New World Screwworm continue to stall Mexican fed cattle imports, tightening U.S. feeder cattle supplies over time — triggering feedlot closures that hinder herd rebuilding efforts, threaten the beef supply chain, and shrink production while consumer prices stay elevated.
Agriculture avoided major disruptions, but trade uncertainty remains elevated.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Catch the double-episode premiere of Prairie Prophets, Tuesday night at 9 PM ET on RFD Network and RFD+
This Final Rule adopts the changes introduced in the Interim Final Rule, consolidating seven agency-specific NEPA regulations into a single, department-wide framework, reducing the overall volume of regulations by 66 percent.
Rich Nelson with Allendale joined us to break down early planting progress, market expectations, and what producers should keep an eye on as the season moves forward.
Dr. Michael Langemeier with Purdue University provided perspective on the improving farmer sentiment and the trends shaping the agricultural economy moving forward.
Roger McEowen discusses how long-term healthcare costs for elderly Americans are reshaping estate-planning decisions for farm families and what producers should consider moving forward.
Farmer Jeffry Mitchell with the Mississippi Farm Bureau joins us for a spring planting update from the southeast region as drought, input costs, and fertilizer access complicate crop progress.