Oklahoma forms advisory council amid federal beef import plans
(Journal stock photo by Lacey Vilhauer)
On Aug. 21, President Donald Trump announced he would be signing an executive order to increase imported beef and sell it at below-market price to lower the price of beef for consumers.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has responded by signing his own executive order on Aug. 25 to protect cattle producers in the Sooner State. Stitt created the Oklahoma Beef Industry Advisory Council to support Oklahoma’s cattle industry and develop solutions to make beef more affordable, but not at the expense of the state’s ranchers.
“If Washington wants lower prices for Americans, it should focus on free market solutions that remove barriers that drive up cost, not undercut the American ranchers who feed our country,” Stitt said. “When the government tries to put its thumb on the scale, it ultimately drives up costs for everyone. We will stand with Oklahomans who produce our food and protect our state’s position as a leader in the beef industry.”
The council will include members with experience in cattle production, beef processing, agricultural economics, and market development. According to the governor’s office, the group will work to identify Oklahoma-led strategies for the beef industry.
Stitt selected Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur to chair the council and lead the team and support the state’s beef industry.
“I can’t stress enough how thankful I am to have Gov. Stitt’s continued dedication to Oklahoma farmers and ranchers,” Arthur said. “Agriculture is a key driver of the Oklahoma economy, and this council will do everything we can to collaborate with and support current and future generations of the hardworking members of the Oklahoma beef industry.”
The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association also voiced its support for Arthur’s appointment.
“Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur is the perfect person to lead this effort,” OCA released in a statement. “She understands Oklahoma agriculture, knows the cattle industry and has consistently demonstrated an ability to bring people together around practical solutions.
As cattle producers, OCA members are committed to the future of our industry. Our legacy is to grow Oklahoma’s beef cattle herd and strengthen beef production opportunities for future generations. OCA looks forward to working with Secretary Arthur, the Governor and the Oklahoma Beef Industry Advisory Council.”
Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].
