SE Nebraska News

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) has called on the Trump administration to reconsider plans to import beef from Argentina, expressing concern for American ranchers and the agricultural economy in Nebraska.

In a statement released Monday, Fischer addressed President Trump's recent comments about the possibility of the U.S. purchasing beef from Argentina. She said she has communicated with both the administration and her colleagues in Congress to clarify the situation and share her concerns.

"Since hearing the president’s comments suggesting the U.S. would buy beef from Argentina, I’ve been in touch with his administration and my colleagues to seek clarity and express my deep concerns. I’ve also been sounding the alarm on the bleak state of our ag economy and the negative impacts facing Nebraska’s ag industry—the economic driver of our state. Bottom line: if the goal is addressing beef prices at the grocery store, this isn’t the way. Right now, government intervention in the beef market will hurt our cattle ranchers. The U.S. has safe, reliable beef, and it is the one bright spot in our struggling ag economy. Nebraska’s ranchers cannot afford to have the rug pulled out from under them when they’re just getting ahead or simply breaking even. I strongly encourage the Trump administration to focus on trade deals that benefit our ag producers—not imports that will do more harm than good," Fischer stated.

Nebraska's agriculture sector is a key part of its economy, with cattle ranching playing a significant role for many communities across the state.