By Alice McFarlane

Threat of tariffs cast a shadow over Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference

Jan 31, 2025 | 11:49 AM

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed he’ll follow through on his threat to impose tariffs on Canadian imports tomorrow despite efforts by the federal government to address his concerns.

It was a hot topic at the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference this week in Saskatoon, Sask. where cattle producers, feedlots, and packers are anxiously waiting for news on US tariffs.

Ryder Lee, the General Manager of the Canadian Cattle Association, said the impacts aren’t just going to be on Canada alone. They’re going to be on the whole integrated North American beef industry.

“The inputs to U.S. plants and feed lots and other things will be made less competitive so that’s an impact on Americans. And it’s those Americans that will tell their elected leaders about that and working on that impact,” Lee said. “That’s a big part. We’ve commissioned a study to look at the impact so that our government can understand what that will be and talk to them about what some of the fall out we see if this does come to be.”

Tariffs would cause a messy situation on both sides of the border starting with higher consumer prices. Will Lowe from Kyle, Sask. is the Chair of the National Cattle Feeders Association said there are other issues to consider.

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“Fat steer prices are $4,000 and you’re looking at U.S. importers that have to pony up an extra 25 per cent – $1,000 on those steers, it’s going to have a major impact on Canadian producers, but also on the U.S. industry,” Lowe said.

Washington State and the Pacific Northwest rely on 30 per cent of their fed kill coming from Canadian cattle. Lowe said if they don’t get that 30 per cent number and they’re running their plants at 65 to 70 per cent, there’s going to be some major business implications for those packing plants.

“Specifically in that region because they’re so reliant, obviously the most reliant area in the United States, on imported fed cattle from Canada,” he said.

Tariffs will be the number one topic of discussion when the largest U.S. cattle producer organization starts its annual convention Monday in San Antonio, Texas.

A Canadian delegation will be there lobbying. Their message will largely depend on what happens tomorrow.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW