Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association President Jake Thompson is disheartened by the Administration’s decision to import foreign beef on a tariff-free basis. In his view, it is insulting that farmers and ranchers are always expected to get less. “The fact of the matter is, when you manipulate our market, all you’re doing is maintaining the profit margin for anybody who touches the product after us,” Thompson told RRFN. “I’ve said this many times; I’m never going to apologize for the price of beef until I don’t see lines anymore at Starbucks if you’re gonna spend $10, $12, $15 on a coffee. Protein is needed. That isn’t.” The Trump beef import plan coincides with the decision to reopen the U.S. border to Mexican cattle. Thompson said the foreign beef is a lower quality product. Listen to the full interview with Thompson.
