CATTLE CONCEPTS
BY: DEVIN BOLLMAN
Today, the Illinois Beef Association joined with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) responding to comments from President Donald J. Trump that suggested importing Argentinian beef as a solution to lower beef prices. NCBA’s family farmers and ranchers are concerned that rewarding Argentina with this expanded access to the U.S. market harms American cattlemen and women, while also interfering with the free market.
“Family farmers and ranchers have numerous concerns with importing more Argentinian beef to lower prices for consumers. This plan only creates chaos at a critical time of the year for American cattle producers, while doing nothing to lower grocery store prices,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “Additionally, Argentina has a deeply unbalanced trade relationship with the U.S. In the past five years Argentina has sold more than $801 million of beef into the U.S. market. By comparison, the U.S. has sold just over $7 million worth of American beef to Argentina. Argentina also has a history of foot-and-mouth disease, which if brought to the United States, could decimate our domestic livestock production.”
“The President has suggested purchasing foreign beef to help lower costs, meanwhile he is placing tariffs on other foreign imports to bolster U.S. production of goods and services in non-agriculture sectors. It is a double standard with harmful implications for our state’s farmers,” said IBA Executive Vice President Josh St. Peters.
“Furthermore, the risk of a foot and mouth disease outbreak as a result of importing beef from a foreign hotspot harbors dangerous implications for all American livestock producers.”
Although beef prices have increased, consumer demand for beef remains strong because of the work American cattle producers have done to improve the quality and safety of U.S. beef. We call on President Trump and members of Congress to let the market work, rather than intervening in ways that do nothing but harm rural America.
ACT NOW: Importing Foreign Beef Will Not Work for Cattle Farms
Last night, President Donald Trump announced a plan to import more Argentinian beef to lower beef prices. Many cattle producers are concerned with this plan and so are we.We believe that the federal government should let the free market work and not try to influence beef prices by bringing in beef from a country like Argentina. Not only does the U.S. have a substantial trade deficit with Argentina on beef, but Argentina also has a history of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
If you are also concerned by this plan, please send a message directly to your legislators in Washington by clicking below. You can also personalize the message to make it even more persuasive to your elected officials CLICK HERE TO SIGN LETTER TO CONGRESS: Importing Argentinian Beef Will Not Work and Will Hurt U.S. Cattle Producers
IBA seeks college interns for winter and summer
IBA is offering winter and summer internship opportunities for college students seeking experience working in a livestock industry / farm organization career field, with a focus on supporting member service, public outreach and industry marketing programs.
The internship position is a paid, hourly role, with start and end date negotiable based upon student’s availability. The intern will work from the IBA office on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield most days of the week, with some in-state travel and weekend assignments required to complete the duties of the role.
Full details on the available internships can be found here.
Interested intern candidates should submit their resume, cover letter stating interest and two professional references via e-mail to IBA’s Director of Business Operations, Dan Loos, at dan@illinoisbeef.com with the subject “Intern Opportunity”.
Deadline to submit materials is no later than October 30.
Team Beef Illinois
Team Beef Illinois is a community of athletes who recognize the nutritional benefits of beef and the vital role high-quality protein plays in their training. As each team member strives to reach his or her athletic and nutritional goals, the Illinois Beef Association is here to cheer for them and support their progress
The 2026 Team Beef Illinois applications close on October 31.
We welcome applications from all athletic skill sets and abilities. From novice to elite, as long as you enjoy the great taste of beef in your training regimen, you can join Team Beef Illinois! Apply for Team Beef online at www.illinoisbeef.com
Illinois Beef Foundation’s Cattlemen’s Gala
Save the Date: November 21, 2025
Location: Poe’s on the Hill, Springfield, Illinois. In honor of the ten years of the Illinois Beef Foundation, the Foundation will host a Cattlemen’s Gala & Fundraiser. The night will be a celebration of the milestone, recognizing the Foundation’s engagement in educational, promotional, and charitable activities dedicated to the improvement of beef production in Illinois and the social and financial advancement of beef producers in Illinois. The Foundation has operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes, with the primary purpose being to award scholarships young, beef industry enthusiasts and aid them in achieving their educational goals. Tickets available for purchase at www.illinoisbeef.com
Beef Quality Assurance Trainings
Elizabeth Community Center | Tuesday, December 2
Kountry Kitchen | Tuesday, December 2
Reel Livestock Center | Thursday, December 4
Greenville Livestock Auction | Thursday, December 4
DeKalb County Farm Bureau | Friday, December 5
Fairview Sale Barn | Wednesday, December 10 Register online at www.illinoisbeef.com
Northern Illinois Cattlemen Connect Education Series December 5 | DeKalb County Farm Bureau
Join us for our Northern Illinois CCES Meeting! From on feed to on rail, our knowledgeable speakers and demonstrators will cover everything you need to know in the final stages of the beef production cycle. This full day of programming will also feature in-person Beef Quality Assurance trainings with both English and Spanish courses available. A full day’s registration includes morning refreshments, BQA Training, lunch, educational sessions, and an on-farm demonstration- $25/IBA Members and $40/Non-Members Register online at www.illinoisbeef.com
or call the office at (217) 787-4280.