WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Lawmakers and producers are continuing to respond to the long-awaited new plan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen the nation’s beef industry. The 13-page strategy outlines a range of initiatives—from expanding farm-to-school beef programs to improving transparency in cattle markets and easing barriers for beginning ranchers.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on the plan and what it means for producers in his state. He was asked about his immediate takeaways, which priorities stand out most for strengthening the cattle industry, and how expanded access to locally raised beef in schools could benefit both students and rural economies.
The conversation also turned to trade, as the administration continues weighing potential beef imports from Argentina—a topic not included in the USDA’s plan. Senator Marshall discussed recent market reactions and ongoing disruptions in global trade flows.
“Let’s talk about exports and imports for a second -- America imports about 12% of its beef; those are KC strips, roasts, high-value meals – but we don’t make enough hamburger here,” Sen. Marshall explained. “Our cattle are such high quality that we don’t make enough hamburger. That’s why we’re importing.”
Marshall said even if the Trump Administration triples – or even quadruples – its imports from Argentina, it would be a tiny fraction of the beef we once imported from both Mexico and Brazil.
“Like you mentioned, beef from Australia is up,” Marshall said. “We import it from Canada. We also get a lot of it from Mexico – actually, like 1.2 million cattle from Mexico cross the border and come into this country every year, and that stopped because of the Screwworm. Because of President Trump’s tariffs on Brazil, they’re one of the top 3 markets, too. That market has fallen. Argentina is a small blip—one tenth of one percent of the beef that we would use in this country. So, even if they triple it, they’re not going to replace what we were getting from Mexico and Brazil nearly.”
Sen. Marshall said people need to calm down — because there are clear reasons why beef prices are high right now.
“The markets have overreacted,” he said. “I’m begging everyone to take a breath. I understand why the price of beef is what it is.”
In addition, he addressed the American Petroleum Institute’s decision to withdraw support for legislation allowing year-round E15 sales, a setback for corn growers facing record harvests. The discussion concluded with a message to farmers navigating these challenges amid the continued government shutdown.
