Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack is moving ahead with two rules that will allow imports of fresh beef from 14 states in Brazil and Northern Argentina into the United States. Those areas have a history of foot and mouth disease. South Dakota Stock Grower’s Association President Bob Fortune says his group is disappointed with the rules which are set to go into effect September 1st.

Fortune says allowing these imports will hurt not only U.S. cattle producers but consumers.

Fortune says his organization is working to find a solution to this problem and determine their next step.

Fortune says both Brazil and Argentina have struggled to meet import and inspection requirements under current rules and USDA has had to suspend imports several times because of violations.