Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Rep. Troy Downing (R-MT) both criticized the plan Friday, arguing that Montana cattle producers could be forced to absorb the costs and face greater difficulty rebuilding their herds.“I’ve advised President Trump against this course of action for a year because American ranchers have been struggling against the packer monopoly for decades, and this will further harm them — most of whom are MAGA Republicans,” Sheehy said.
“The President’s heart is in the right place on wanting lower prices for the American people, and beef prices have been impacted by the Mexican screwworm,” Sheehy continued. “But the reality is this action will make it more difficult for American ranchers to rebuild our herd and bring prices down for the American people. And most importantly, this will harm our ranching families who feed the nation.”Downing similarly warned that efforts to lower prices should not come at the expense of cattle producers.“I understand the President taking action to lower prices at the grocery store, but it cannot happen on the backs of our ranchers,” Downing said. “Montana producers cannot be asked to absorb the cost. We must protect our ranchers and strengthen the American cattle herd so American beef remains at the center of our food supply.”Beef prices have climbed to record levels, caused in part by shrinking cattle inventories, higher livestock costs, and disease concerns, including the New World screwworm.
