There’s growing pessimism about the third round of the North American Free Trade Agreement talks going on in Ottawa, Canada this week. The U.S., Canada and Mexico are far apart on important issues such as how to resolve trade disputes. That’s concerning to Iowa Cattlemen’s Association President Mike Cline. He says NAFTA is an important deal for America’s cattle producers.

He’s hoping U.S. negotiators will be able to broker a deal with Mexico and Canada and not withdraw from the agreement.

Cline says trade is extremely important for U.S. agriculture and NAFTA negotiators need to recognize that and keep discussions positive moving forward.

The next round of NAFTA discussions take place in the United States next month.