Kansas Farmers Union Calls for Mandatory Country-of-Origin Beef Labeling

Advocacy group says new Argentine beef import deal will hurt U.S. cattle producers

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Kansas Farmers Union (KFU) is calling on Congress and the Trump administration to implement mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef in response to a new trade agreement that will allow an additional 80,000 tons of Argentine beef valued at $800 million to be imported to the U.S. KFU argues this move will negatively impact American cattle producers without benefiting consumers.

Why it matters

The KFU believes the influx of imported beef, combined with the lack of country-of-origin labeling, will ultimately hurt U.S. cattle farmers and ranchers by depressing domestic beef prices. They argue consumers also deserve the right to know where their beef comes from and how it was raised.

The details

Under the new trade deal with Argentina, President Trump has agreed to allow an additional 80,000 tons of Argentine beef valued at $800 million to be imported to the U.S. KFU claims this move is an attempt at "market manipulation for political purposes" and will not actually lower beef prices for consumers. The group is calling on Congress to pass the American Beef Labeling Act and the Country-of-Origin Labeling Enforcement Act to give consumers more transparency about the origin and production of their beef.

  • President Trump recently entered into the trade agreement with Argentine President Milei.
  • KFU is calling on Congress and the Trump administration to implement mandatory country-of-origin labeling.

The players

Kansas Farmers Union (KFU)

A farmer advocacy group in Kansas that is calling for mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef.

Donn Teske

The president of KFU and a cattleman from Pottawatomie County.

Jack Geiger

A member of the KFU board and a cattleman from Brown County.

President Trump

The U.S. President who recently entered into a trade agreement with Argentina to allow more beef imports.

Argentine President Milei

The president of Argentina who made the trade deal with President Trump.

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What they’re saying

“This move will not change the price of beef for consumers at the grocery store. It's no secret that the U.S. imports cheap, lean beef from other countries, but it comes at a cost. Cattle markets ultimately react negatively, and farmers and ranchers pay the price.”

— Donn Teske, President, Kansas Farmers Union (americanagnetwork.com)

“The recent trade agreement with Argentina is simply another attempt at market manipulation for political purposes. It doesn't serve the interests of American beef producers or American consumers.”

— Jack Geiger, Board Member, Kansas Farmers Union (americanagnetwork.com)

“Over the years, Kansas beef producers have had to weather many market cycles. Beef is a major component of our rural economy. Our customers have continued to reward us recently with increased year-on-year demand. Importing more foreign beef under preferential terms, while at the same time denying consumers Country-of-Origin Labeling is unfair to both producers and consumers.”

— Jack Geiger, Board Member, Kansas Farmers Union (americanagnetwork.com)

“KFU calls on Congress to pass and President Trump to sign into law the American Beef Labeling Act and the Country-of-Origin Labeling Enforcement Act of 2025. We also urge consumers to contact their legislators and demand the right to know where their beef comes from, along with how it is raised and processed.”

— Donn Teske, President, Kansas Farmers Union (americanagnetwork.com)

What’s next

The KFU is calling on Congress to pass and the President to sign into law the American Beef Labeling Act and the Country-of-Origin Labeling Enforcement Act of 2025 to require mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between American cattle producers, who want more transparency and protection from foreign competition, and the Trump administration's efforts to lower consumer beef prices through increased imports, even if it comes at the expense of domestic farmers and ranchers.