Aug. 30, 2026

BEEF TARIFF SUSPENSION DRAWS RANCHER OPPOSSITION
The Trump administration announced a 90-day suspension of tariffs on 300,000 metric tons of imported beef as part of its effort to address high beef prices. Livestock groups and farm state lawmakers oppose the move, arguing that additional imports could put downward pressure on cattle prices and discourage producers from rebuilding the U.S. cattle herd. The proposal follows a similar effort earlier this year to increase beef imports from Argentina.

NDFU continues to oppose policies that increase foreign beef imports at the expense of U.S. cattle producers. NDFU believes policymakers should instead address market concentration, strengthen competition and provide producers with the certainty needed to expand their herds.

U.S.-CANADA TRADE TALKS BREAK DOWN
Last week, trade negotiations between the United States and Canada broke down. The United States plans to impose 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion of imported Canadian goods, with additional tariffs expected Jan. 1. Canada has retaliated, announcing counter-tariffs on roughly 700 U.S goods. The breakdown in negotiations has increased uncertainty around the renewal of the USMCA.

NDFU recently stressed the importance of stable trade relationships during discussions with U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator Julie Callahan. NDFU continues to support a long-term USMCA agreement that provides farmers and ranchers with certainty and preserves access to key agricultural markets.

FWS HOLDS OFF ON WETLAND EASEMENT CHANGES
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has paused its effort to rollback Biden-era drainage setback rules on wetland easements. NDFU joined other agricultural organizations and elected officials in submitting comments supporting changes on how setbacks for drain tiles around wetland easements are calculated. Ducks Unlimited and other conservation groups campaigned heavily against the proposal. 

Sen. Kevin Cramer sharply criticized the decision and announced a blanket hold on presidential nominees across all agencies until the administration takes action on the issue. 

ND LEGISLATIVE SPECIAL SESSION BEGINS SEPT. 2
The North Dakota’s Legislature will convene for a special session, beginning Sept. 2, with a joint policy committee scheduled to meet Sept. 1. Lawmakers will consider proposed legislation addressing the regulation of kratom; nondisclosure agreements (NDA) for public officials related to siting data centers and other industrial developments; the underfunded military museum; and a technical correction to property tax calculations. The special session is expected to last at least three days.

NDFU will be active in representing family farmers and ranchers at the session. NDFU generally supports the NDA legislation as part of the organization’s broader efforts to build healthier local conversations about economic development. 

STATE EXPANDS LIVESTOCK WATER ASSISTANCE AS DROUGHT WORSENS 
Last week, Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a drought disaster as dry conditions continue across North Dakota. This week the State Water Commission also expanded the Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program, making up to $4 million available to producers across the state.

Eligible livestock producers can receive a 65% cost share of up to $10,000 per water project for as many as three projects, including new wells, rural water connections, pipeline extensions and pasture taps. 

ASK NDFU
Have a question, comment, or concern? Focused on a policy issue we didn’t discuss here? Send Lance Gaebe or Ryan Gregg an email at lgaebe@ndfu.org or rgregg@ndfu.org, and we will try to include it in the next edition.