In January and February, the U.S. exported almost 17,000 metric tons of beef to Canada and another 37,000 metric tons to Mexico, a total value of $359 million, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. In additional there were nearly $900,000 worth of lamb exports to the two countries.

Then in March, President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs were in effect on those trading partners, and others, causing the National Farmers Union to warn against the impacts of future economic instability from trade wars.