S.D. Ranchers Revolt as Trump Plans Argentina Beef Imports

By Todd Epp, Northern Plains News

South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds is pushing back against President Trump’s plan to provide $40 billion in assistance to Argentina, warning that associated beef imports could devastate American ranchers already struggling with market challenges.

Rounds met with Trump and Agriculture Secretary Rollins on Tuesday after receiving feedback from hundreds of South Dakota ranchers concerned about potential increases in Argentinian beef imports. The senator said both officials expressed commitment to an “America First game plan,” but concerns remain as the administration moves forward with a massive financial rescue package for Argentina.

The U.S. Treasury agreed Monday to purchase $20 billion in Argentine pesos in an exchange-rate stabilization operation, with total assistance expected to reach $40 billion. The bailout aims to support Argentine President Javier Milei, who faces midterm elections next week amid economic turmoil.

Trump has suggested the United States could purchase significant quantities of Argentine beef, claiming that such purchases would lower domestic beef prices. However, ranchers and agricultural state lawmakers strongly oppose the idea.

“Ranchers are finally getting prices that are going to make up for some really bad years in the past with the drought, low prices, and high costs,” Texas A&M livestock economist David Anderson told the Associated Press. “And we start talking about government policy to bring down prices.”

In his newsletter to constituents, Rounds drew parallels between energy independence and beef production during his White House meeting. He argued that lower energy prices resulted from increased domestic production, not imports, and the same approach should apply to beef.

The senator emphasized in his newsletter that American cattle producers already face an unlevel playing field. He cited the lack of Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) as a critical problem, noting consumers cannot distinguish American beef from foreign products under current rules.

Rounds also highlighted market concentration concerns, stating four companies—two Brazilian-owned—monopolize beef processing. He argued the issue requires consumer empowerment through labeling rather than displacing domestic beef with imports.

The senator acknowledged political challenges, noting that only nine states have more cattle than people, representing just 18 of 100 Senate votes. Meaningful cattle market reforms require the support of 60 senators, necessitating a broader coalition focused on consumer benefits.

Opposition to the Argentina bailout has emerged from unexpected sources. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, typically a Trump ally, questioned “how it’s America First to bail out a foreign country.” She told Semafor, “It is mind-boggling why we would do this with Argentina. There’s a lot of people in MAGA that try to always stick with the talking points, but there’s a lot of people that can’t spin this one.”

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the assistance, calling it a strategic investment. “The success of Argentina’s reform agenda is of systemic importance, and a strong, stable Argentina which helps anchor a prosperous Western Hemisphere is in the strategic interest of the United States,” Bessent stated.

However, the Argentine peso sank to record lows on Tuesday despite the intervention, raising questions about the strategy’s effectiveness. Traders appear unimpressed by the currency investment, and polling suggests Argentine voters may not favor what some perceive as American interference in their elections.

Rounds encouraged constituents to remain patient while awaiting final administration details and to continue sharing opinions with officials.