Hailey
Kansas ranchers are speaking out after former President Donald Trump suggested that the United States should buy beef from Argentina to help lower prices. But many local cattle producers believe this idea doesn’t match how the real cattle market works.
Steve Stratford, assistant manager at Pratt Livestock Inc. and a lifelong cattle producer at Stratford Angus, says the cattle business is unpredictable and can’t be fixed overnight by importing foreign beef.
A Lifetime in the Cattle Business
Steve Stratford has been working with cattle since he was 14 years old, and his family has been in the business for generations.
He explained, “Cattle markets are like a rollercoaster — always changing and full of risks.”
The recent “something,” according to him, is Trump’s comments about importing Argentinian beef to control rising prices in the U.S.
Trump’s Claim and Why Ranchers Disagree
In his social media posts, Donald Trump claimed that beef prices are high because of tariffs he imposed during his presidency.
However, Stratford says that’s not accurate.
“He put tariffs on beef, not on live cattle,” Stratford explained. “We don’t import live cattle from Brazil or Argentina. So, even the wording of his statement is wrong.”
He added that importing more beef from Argentina would not fix U.S. prices because the global beef supply doesn’t work that way.
Why Importing Won’t Solve the Problem
According to Stratford, you can’t simply increase the world’s beef supply by importing from another country.
“If we get more beef from Argentina, we’ll probably just get less from Brazil. You can’t suddenly make more beef appear — it takes time.”
Producing beef is a slow process. From birth to the dinner plate, it can take about 30 months.
| Cattle Production Timeline | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Birth of calf to maturity | 18–24 months |
| Fattening and finishing period | 4–6 months |
| Processing to market availability | Around 30 months total |
Stratford pointed to the young heifers (female cows) on his ranch, saying they won’t be ready for at least another six months. “It’s not instant — a lot of work and time go into raising cattle,” he said.
Are Beef Prices Really Too High?
While many Americans feel the price of beef is rising, Stratford believes the increase isn’t as large as it seems.
He says politicians often misunderstand how the cattle business works because most have never studied it deeply.
“I’ve met dozens of them over the years — even high-ranking officials — and I haven’t met one who truly understands the cattle industry,” he said.
The Importance of Labeling Imported Beef
Stratford also stressed the need for clear labeling if the U.S. decides to import more beef.
He supports MCOOL — Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling, which tells consumers where their beef comes from.
“If we’re going to import beef, the first step in the ‘America First’ agenda should be country-of-origin labeling,” Stratford said.
Pride in American Beef
Despite the political debate, ranchers like Stratford say they are proud of their work and the high quality of beef they produce.
“We raise the best beef in the world, and it’s in high demand,” he said proudly. “I’m proud of American ranchers for producing such a healthy, nutritious product.”
He believes it’s time for the discussion to focus on facts instead of politics.
“We just need to calm down and share the truth. Rather than getting angry, advisors should help President Trump better understand the real beef market.”
Kansas ranchers are clear — importing beef from Argentina won’t lower prices overnight. The cattle industry is complex, and raising beef takes time, patience, and knowledge.
Local ranchers believe the focus should stay on supporting American producers, using accurate information, and ensuring transparent labeling for consumers.