Mike Pearson tells listeners about a rule change impacting beef imports from Paraguay.

In November 2023, the USDA issued a final that would allow for the import of fresh beef from Paraguay to the United States.

This was a major shift in policy of 2007 when Paraguay struggled with the elimination of hand, foot and mouth disease.

A catastrophic disease that can impact cattle, sheep and hogs.

Given the risk that HFMD would present, cattle producers would immediately push back against the rule change with all 3 cattle organizations condemning the decision and calling for congressional action.

Congress listened.

A group of congressman introduced a piece of legislation that in the end vetoes an executive agency rulemaking.

It's a single page long rule that says no beef from Paraguay can be imported.

Montana Congressman Jon Tester says Paraguay doesn't meet the health and safety animal standards that are stringent here in the United States.

The USA has been free from HFMD since 1929. However, Paraguay reported their most recent case in 2012.

Lawmakers aren't convinced that enough has been done to end HFMD especially since the USDA inspectors haven't been on the ground since 2014.

Both the NCBA and R-Calf thanked congress for taking action and keeping beef herds healthy here in the USA.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.