American Farm Bureau Federation

Four major agricultural organizations warn that flooding the market with 300,000 metric tons of discounted foreign beef threatens long-term food security and undermines ranchers rebuilding historic low herds.

Nearly half of all farmworkers are undocumented, and industries such as dairy and meatpacking plants are especially vulnerable to labor shortages.

A letter from AFBF President Zippy Duvall to state Farm Bureau presidents said the action comes after a failed mediation session on Monday. The move is in retaliation for a decision by the Illinois Farm Bureau’s affiliate, Country Financial, to drop a Farm Bureau membership eligibility requirement for non-farm insurance policy holders in Illinois.