DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado cattle producers and state lawmakers are voicing strong opposition after President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. should buy more beef from Argentina to help lower prices for consumers.
Agricultural leaders say the move could undercut American ranchers and threaten the stability of rural economies — including right here in Colorado.
According to the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, cattle production is the state’s number one agricultural commodity, with more than 2.7 million head of cattle raised by families in every county.
Tim Ritschard, a multi-generation rancher and president of the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association, said the proposal misses the bigger picture.
“The big thing is, is bringing beef in from somewhere else — I would rather see it be an American-made product,” Ritschard said.
Colorado lawmakers Dylan Roberts and Karen McCormick released a joint statement calling the idea “reckless,” arguing it could cause chaos in U.S. markets and hurt producers already facing rising costs from tariffs and trade policies.
Economic analysis from the Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting estimates that losses in beef exports could result in more than 260 jobs lost and nearly $80 million in reduced economic output across Colorado.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
