Beef producers criticized President Trump on Wednesday after he suggested lowering meat prices amid plans to increase beef imports from Argentina.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said the move undermines U.S. farmers and “undercuts the future of family farmers,” emphasizing that American cattle producers already operate in a highly competitive market.

The group urged the administration to focus on completing a $750 million New World screwworm facility in Texas to produce sterile flies that combat livestock parasites.

Ranchers also called for stronger protections against animal diseases like foot-and-mouth and relief from regulatory burdens, The Hill has reported.

The backlash followed Trump’s social media posts claiming his tariffs on Brazilian cattle have been the key reason U.S. ranchers are thriving.