What federal actions on beef mean for local producers

The federal government is trying to lower the price tag on beef at the grocery store. How those decisions could affect beef producers in Tennessee may vary.

Farm trade groups have expressed concerns about how federal efforts meant to cut down prices for consumers could affect some American beef producers. But some local beef producers said they haven’t felt a direct impact from the Trump administration’s decisions.

Some economists say it could affect beef producers regardless.

“We’re such a global market now in most everything that we do, any type of impact in any location is going to influence our market,” said Andrew Griffith, University of Tennessee agriculture and resource economics professor. “Whether it be local, state, regional or national market. It’s being influenced in some form or fashion. We may not see how it directly influences us, but it's impacting our markets.”

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to import more beef from Argentina in August, on top of the beef the U.S. already imports from other countries. Last year, it said it would import more meat from Argentina for the same reason.

Owner of Genesis Farms Joe Reid raises his cattle and produces his beef locally. Reid explained that the specificity of his customer base — local residents who are interested in buying the beef he raises — means increased imports or fluctuating beef prices at the store hasn’t affected his business. His product prices are already higher than what’s sold at a chain grocery store.

“My prices are going to be a little bit higher than even at the store,” Reid said, adding this is largely because it takes more time and work for smaller producers to feed and take care of cattle.

Mike Southerland, a Washington County farmer who raises livestock for about 70 customers, said the people he services are willing to pay higher prices.