The agriculture sector is keeping a close eye on the evolving trade and tariff signals coming from the Trump Administration. Historically, agriculture is often the first target when other nations retaliate with tariffs, putting added pressure on farmers and rural economies. But the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is urging patience, choosing to stay calm and see what kind of trade deals might emerge before sounding the alarm.
Tanner Beymer, Senior Director of Government Affairs for NCBA, says U.S. agricultural trade has long been a global success story. He adds that beef exports, in particular, are a standout example, driven by years of work to open markets and build demand for high-quality American beef.
Beymer says that while tariffs aren’t NCBA’s preferred tool for negotiating trade, President Trump will pursue the approach he believes is most effective. For now, NCBA is choosing to remain patient and evaluate any resulting agreements before raising concerns. Beymer emphasizes that while a deal may appear favorable at first glance, the details matter, and he points to two South American trade agreements as cautionary examples.
Beymer notes that some trade agreements have favored our partners more than U.S. producers, pointing to Australia as a clear example of one-sided beef trade.
People often ask, “If we’re so good at producing beef, why do we need to import it from somewhere else?” Beymer says the answer is simple: a single animal can’t satisfy the diverse demands of both ends of the domestic market.
As trade talks continue, both producers and consumers have a stake in outcomes that support market access, fair competition, and product quality. The path forward will shape what ends up on dinner plates and in producer profits alike.
