Fargo Standard

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) and seven other House Republicans have sent a letter to President Trump in response to reports that the United States may begin importing beef from Argentina. The lawmakers urged the administration to allow American producers the chance to meet increased demand before turning to foreign imports.

The letter was co-signed by Representatives Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Troy Downing (R-MT), Gabe Evans (R-CO), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Derek Schmidt (R-KS), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), and August Pfluger (R-TX). In their correspondence, they emphasized that American ranchers provide high-quality beef and should not face competition from imports produced under less stringent standards. They called for future trade decisions to be made with "full transparency, sound science, and a firm commitment to the U.S. cattle industry."

Fedorchak stated, "We’ve all received a number of questions and calls from our constituents over the last few days, so we are asking for clarity on the administration’s long-term plans. Our farmers and ranchers stand ready to deliver on the President’s America-First agenda," adding, "North Dakotans take great pride in producing the safest, highest-quality beef in the world—and we should be building on that success. When it comes to beef, no one does it better than the United States."

Representative Dusty Johnson commented, "South Dakota's cattle producers set the standard for quality and safety in beef production. I understand the President's efforts to strengthen trade and keep food affordable, but those efforts should not undermine the farmer and ranchers who put dinner on our tables. Any decision to import foreign beef must hold countries to the same gold-standard regulations our producers meet every day. American ranchers play by the rules, produce the best beef in the world, and they deserve a fair shot to compete."

Troy Downing highlighted Montana’s role: "Montana beef is the envy of the world and a keystone of Montana's economy. Our ranchers take pride in their work, and our people crave the quality beef they know and love. Developing strong trade relations is important, but more important is nurturing the American agriculture we have right here at home. I’m proud to join my colleagues in cattle country in this effort to ensure the voices of our ranchers are heard loud and clear."

Gabe Evans referenced Colorado’s agricultural output: "Weld County leads Colorado and ranks among the top in the nation for agricultural production, raising some of the highest quality beef in the world. While Republicans and the Administration have worked to support our producers through efforts like the Working Families Tax Cut Act, the proposal to purchase Argentinian beef raises serious concerns. Colorado farmers and ranchers deserve leaders who will stand with them, especially in the face of Governor Polis and state Democrats’ relentless anti-ag policies. That’s why I’m working with the President to reduce grocery prices and tirelessly advocate for U.S. beef."

Michelle Fischbach also supported prioritizing domestic producers: "Our American ranchers have dedicated their lives to delivering the highest‑quality beef while upholding the gold standard in food safety. No one creates a better product at a better value than American farmers and ranchers. Prioritizing America’s food producers is essential to an American-First agenda, which I will continue to support."

Key excerpts from their letter stressed that America’s cattle producers are resilient despite facing challenges such as droughts or volatile markets while maintaining high standards for food safety enforced by USDA inspectors. The lawmakers argued that any import policy must require foreign suppliers meet these same standards because introducing products from countries with inconsistent records could erode consumer confidence.

They concluded by expressing confidence that U.S. producers can compete globally if given market opportunities.