Trump Urges Cattle Ranchers to Lower Prices Amid Trade Tensions

In recent remarks made via social media, President Donald Trump emphasized the need for American cattle ranchers to lower their prices. He attributed their current financial success, which he claims is unprecedented in decades, to the tariffs he has imposed on imported cattle. Trump specifically mentioned, "The Cattle Ranchers, who I love, don’t understand that the only reason they are doing so well, for the first time in decades, is because I put Tariffs on cattle coming into the United States, including a 50% Tariff on Brazil." This assertion follows a broader context where many American farmers are expressing concern over the repercussions of ongoing trade tensions, particularly the trade war with China. He continued with his thoughts, stating, "If it weren’t for me, they would be doing just as they’ve done for the past 20 years — Terrible!" Trump also noted that while he is looking out for ranchers, he believes they must adapt to market pressures: "It would be nice if they would understand that, but they also have to get their prices down, because the consumer is a very big factor in my thinking, also!" What to know about the Trump administration's $20B bailout for Argentina The President’s comments come at a time when farmers across the United States are increasingly worried about their ability to sell crops amid challenges from foreign competition and fluctuating prices. Recently, Trump indicated that the U.S. might consider purchasing beef from Argentina to alleviate rising grocery prices, stating, "If we do that, that will bring our beef prices down, because our groceries are down, our energy prices are down." In a response to Trump's statements, Senator Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) expressed her concerns on social media, stating she has been in contact with the administration for clarification. She remarked, "Bottom line: if the goal is addressing beef prices at the grocery store, this isn’t the way," urging the Trump administration to develop trade agreements that favor American agriculture rather than focus on imports. Similarly, Scott Thomsen, a cattle and corn farmer from Nebraska, criticized Trump's plan to import beef from Argentina, asserting, "We need to reduce imports. We need to grow our herd." Thomsen, who identifies as a Trump supporter, advocates for bolstering domestic beef production instead of seeking foreign alternatives. Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president, also voiced his disapproval, stating he feels the administration's approach is misguided. He said, "Unfortunately we have an administration that thinks they have to lower the price of beef," opposing strategies that could artificially affect market pricing. STOCK IMAGE/Getty Images - PHOTO: Wide shot of cattle in pen on farm on summer morning The Nebraska Farm Bureau attributes high beef prices to several factors, including a significant reduction in cattle supply due to drought conditions and limits on imports from Mexico. They note this has resulted in an environment where cow prices are currently at a record high. As a critical sector, agriculture holds a dominant position in Nebraska's economy, with cattle production being its largest