Trump’s Executive Order Hurts Montana Ranchers, Does Little for Consumers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 10, 2026

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Helena, MT – CBS News is reporting this week that President Trump’s executive order, which quadruples Argentinian beef imports, won’t likely ease costs for consumers in the United States. 

In Montana, producers warn that the surge in imports could drive down cattle prices, create market uncertainty, and do little to address domestic production challenges like herd rebuilding. KRTV reports industry experts are also raising concerns about quality control and echoing that consumers will not likely see much savings at the grocery store.

“The consumers are going to pay the same for the beef, except now it will have more blended foreign beef, and of course, the producer will have the possibility of receiving less for their product,” said Tim Brunner, the western district director of the Montana Cattlemen’s Association and a producer out of Fairfield

“We raise very healthy, safe products in the United States, so bringing an imported product in that may not have the traceability and the safety protocol that we have, that is one of the main concerns,” said Lesley Robinson, President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

“Trump’s reckless economic policies are hurting Montana producers and not doing a damn thing for consumers,” said Executive Director of the Montana Democratic Party Emily Marburger. “If Montana’s congressional delegation won’t fight back against policies that undercut Montana producers, who exactly are they fighting for?”

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