Amarillo Gazette

Kent Bacus, Executive Director of Government Affairs of National Cattlemen's Beef Association, expressed concerns over the importation of beef from Paraguay, stating, “Paraguay’s history of foot-and-mouth disease is not something we take lightly and importing beef from Paraguay is just too risky." Bacus emphasized the importance of upholding high food safety and animal health standards and urged the USDA to verify Paraguay’s safety claims through on-the-ground site visits.

Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA, commended Representatives Ronny Jackson and Yadira Caraveo for introducing the Congressional Review Act to hold the USDA accountable and protect cattle from foreign animal diseases. Bullard highlighted the potential risks of approving beef imports from Paraguay without ensuring the country meets U.S. standards for animal health and food safety.

Justin Tupper, President of U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, praised Rep. Jackson's leadership in calling for a halt to beef imports from countries like Paraguay, citing concerns over environmental and labor practices in their supply chains.

Mark Barnett, President of Livestock Marketing Association, expressed appreciation for the efforts of Reps. Jackson and Caraveo in safeguarding the U.S. cattle industry and criticized the decision to allow beef imports from Paraguay based on outdated site visits.

Ben Weinheimer, President and CEO of Texas Cattle Feeders Association, supported Rep. Jackson and Caraveo's initiative to prevent beef imports from Paraguay, emphasizing the need for updated information to make scientifically sound decisions regarding the safety of U.S. cattle herds.

Russell Boening, President of Texas Farm Bureau, applauded the introduction of a Congressional Review Act resolution to nullify USDA's final rule on importing beef from Paraguay, stressing the importance of ensuring trading partners meet U.S. standards to protect the nation's food supply.

Kerry Wiggins, President of Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas, echoed concerns about the threat of imported beef from Paraguay to the domestic cattle industry and thanked Rep. Jackson for his leadership in addressing the issue and supporting Texas ranchers.