Tell Congress to Oppose Plan to Increase Imports

President Trump has proposed increasing imports of foreign beef by easing tariffs. At the same time, the President and his administration have repeatedly emphasized the importance of rebuilding the U.S. cattle herd, which is currently at a 75-year low. Increasing imports to lower grocery-store prices risks undermining that goal and harming Colorado cattle producers. The Colorado Livestock Association and Colorado Cattlemen’s Association have long supported free and fair trade and recognize the importance of robust import and export markets. However, Colorado producers have endured years of drought, natural disasters, and high input costs. Despite these challenges, they continue to produce high-quality beef that drives strong consumer demand. That demand is encouraging producers to reinvest in their operations and rebuild their herds. Intervening in the market by increasing imports could artificially suppress cattle prices, discourage expansion, and threaten the long-term stability of domestic beef production. We urge you to stand with Colorado’s cattle producers and ensure they have a seat at the table as solutions are developed. Policies intended to address beef prices must support, not undermine, domestic production and provide producers with the certainty they need to reinvest in their operations and rebuild the U.S. cattle herd.

Tell the Colorado delegation to stand with Colorado's producers.

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Your Message to the legislators

Dear (name and title inserted automatically),

Through the grassroots policy process of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and the Colorado Livestock Association members have expressed time and again their support for free and fair trade. Trade is critical to the strength of the U.S. cattle and beef industry, and CCA continues to support policies that provide market access and opportunities for American beef producers.

At the same time, CCA and CLA have concerns with the announcement to allow additional beef imports into the United States without out-of-quota tariffs, particularly if this is being viewed as a solution to address beef prices and rebuild the U.S. cattle herd. The potential market implications of this announcement are also concerning, especially as many producers are starting to make marketing decisions for their livestock.

Colorado cattle producers understand the challenges facing consumers and share the goal of maintaining an affordable, abundant beef supply. However, producers should be at the table when significant policy decisions directly affect cattle markets and producer confidence, rather than learning about them through media or social media without meaningful industry engagement.

If our shared goal is to rebuild the American cattle herd and support ranching families, CCA believes there are more effective and lasting ways to accomplish it.

Our producers continue to face significant barriers to growing their operations and rebuilding the herd. The average age of a Colorado agricultural producer is now 58 years, underscoring the need to create an environment where the next generation can enter, invest in, and grow agricultural operations. At the same time, producers face increasing regulatory burdens, high input costs, drought, agricultural labor challenges, access to grazing and federal lands, wildlife conflicts, and uncertainty that make long-term investment difficult. Addressing these challenges and reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens would give producers greater confidence and opportunity to retain cattle, invest in their operations, and grow the domestic herd.

CCA and CLA stands ready to work with partners to identify solutions that strengthen producer confidence, reduce regulatory barriers, create opportunities for the next generation, and establish an environment where Coloradoan and American cattle producers, alike, can do what they do best: produce high-quality beef for consumers here at home and around the world.

Colorado cattle producers want to be part of the solution, and they deserve a seat at the table when policies affecting their livelihoods and the future of our industry are being developed.

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