Grassley Defends U.S. Cattle Producers

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says cattle producers are facing challenges from low herd numbers, higher input costs, and unclear federal policies. Grassley says he supports President Trump’s effort to strengthen the U.S. beef sector but opposes expanding imports from Argentina. “President Trump has raised concerns about the cost of and the prices American consumers are paying for that beef. The biggest factor driving these prices is economics 101, pretty clear supply and demand,” said Grassley. “Now, you may have heard the president pressing for more beef imports from our competitors. Obviously, I disagree with him on that because this would damage the incentives for U.S. cattlemen to raise more beef. You can’t undercut beef and consider that being America first.” Grassley also commented on the government shutdown, saying, “The Schumer shutdown has gone on too long. It’ll only end when Schumer decides that it will end. The help that farmers need, whether it’s through the bailout or through E15, isn’t going to come until you get government up and running.”