FARGO — North Dakota livestock leaders say they are disappointed after President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. buy beef from Argentina to lower grocery store prices.
Some across the country are calling the proposal a betrayal. Low herd numbers and steady demand have pushed producers to record-high prices.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, ground beef has risen about 70 cents per pound over the last year, reaching an average of $6.30.
Randy Schmitt, president of the North Dakota Stockmen's Association, said increasing supply through imports would take a long time for any benefit to trickle down to consumers. Meanwhile, producers continue to face high input costs.
"Why just beef? Why are we targeting just beef? When inflation on everything, the price of everything,