Dear Editor and Readers of the True Dakotan: As the owners of Kimball Livestock Exchange and South Dakota cattle producers ourselves, we take great pride in raising safe, high-quality American beef that feeds families across the nation. Our customers are producers who work hard every day to uphold the standards that make U.S. beef the best in the world. That’s why we strongly support the recent move in Congress to restore mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) for beef.
We thank Senator Mike Rounds for co-sponsoring this bipartisan legislation, which would ensure that American consumers once again have the right to know where their beef comes from.
This measure’s reintroduction in the U.S. House led by Representatives Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) comes at a critical time. Beef imports are rising rapidly, and without mandatory labeling, foreign beef can enter the U.S. market, be repackaged, and sold under a misleading “Product of USA” label. That’s not fair to consumers or to the American ranchers who built their livelihoods on trust and transparency.
While we understand President Trump’s goal of easing grocery costs for Americans, increasing beef imports from Argentina is not the answer. The packers will benefit — not consumers — and the move threatens to weaken a cattle market that has finally shown signs of strength here in South Dakota.
Consumers deserve the right to choose whether they buy imported beef or beef from America’s ranchers, and ranchers deserve the right to compete fairly in their own domestic market. The Country-of-Origin Labeling for Beef Act will accomplish both by restoring transparency and integrity to the food supply chain.
We urge readers to contact Senator Thune, Senator Rounds, and Representative Dusty Johnson and express support for this vital legislation. It’s time to stand up for American ranchers and give consumers the clear information they deserve at the grocery store.
Chad Heezen, Wade and Christina Christensen
Owners, Kimball Livestock Exchange