PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona cattle ranchers are pushing back against President Trump’s plans to increase Argentinean beef imports , saying government intervention could disrupt prices that have finally reached profitable levels.

“We don’t need the government stepping in and manipulating the prices,” said Tim Petersen, vice president of the Arizona Cattle Growers Association .

Petersen said the current beef price increase stems from multiple factors, including persistent drought and rising operational costs across the industry.

Rising costs drive price increases

“Everything’s gone up. Trucks are $100,000. Horses cost money, saddles, shoes, vet bills, feed, fuel. Everything’s been going up, and the price of cattle really hasn’t kept up with that price increase,” Petersen said. “So,

See Full Page