The U.S. and Japan have an agreement, in principle, following months of trade negotiations. Cattle producers are encouraged by the news, as Japan is the top market for U.S. beef. North Dakota Stockmen’s Association President Dan Rorvig says the Japanese market is promising. “Right now, it’s a real good indicator that maybe the U.S. and Japan can come together on a bilateral trade agreement.” Last year, Japanese consumers purchased over $2 billion of U.S. beef, accounting for roughly one-quarter of overall U.S. beef exports. “Removing the 38.5 percent tariff on U.S. beef will level the playing field in Japan,” says Rorvig. “Japan loves our U.S. beef and they’re willing to get their checkbooks out and buy. It also appears there would be good trade for the grains.” Listen to the story.