Iowa Farmers Union Calls on Iowa’s Congressional Delegation to Defend Iowa Family Farmers and Ranchers Producing American Beef

Nevada, Iowa –  The Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) is calling on Senators Grassley and Ernst and Representatives Feenstra, Hinson, Miller-Meeks, and Nunn to not just speak but to act to support Iowa family farmers and ranchers raising cattle and beef.

President Trump entered into a trade agreement with Argentine President Milei on Thursday, February 5 that will open the United States to an additional 80,000 tons of Argentina beef at a value of $800,000,000. Trump has claimed this is an effort to reduce the cost of beef to American consumers. 

“We are beyond tired of President Trump putting Iowa farming families and rural communities on the front lines of his trade wars,” said Aaron Lehman, President of the Iowa Farmers Union and 5th generation Polk County farmer. “Throughout 2025, Iowa’s congressional delegation has failed to rein in the chaos of the president’s trade policies that have increased the costs to Americans and reduced the income of American farmers and ranchers. This is just another example of the president’s misuse of tariffs for political purposes and our Senators and Representatives failing to hold him accountable.” 

“Why doesn’t the President trust American farmers and ranchers?” asked Berleen Wobeter, Tama County, IA farmer. “We’ve been raising cattle for over 40 years. There are boom and bust cycles that we’ve had to navigate. There are lots of reasons the US cattle herd is reduced and beef prices are high right now. But it’s crazy to us that President Trump’s solution is to put the interest of Argentina beef producers ahead of American farmers and ranchers.” 

Lehman said farmers have not yet received USDA “Farm Bridge” payments promised by the administration.  “Before those trade relief funds even hit the ground here on American farms, the President is already passing out favors to Argentina’s President first.  Iowa farmers are proud of what we grow and we want to provide safe affordable food to consumers. We should put our support with American farmers and rural communities.”

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