08/23/2026
While I am not a rancher, I have worked with some of you and have a deep appreciation for your hard work. I have visited your farms, walked alongside and photographed your cattle, created skull art for you or from your longhorns, and witnessed the dedication and passion you put into your herds and properties. Your livelihood depends on consumers buying the beef that you raise. Those who have never had the opportunity to spend time with our beef farmers don't realize the extra expenses that come with ranching: grain, hay, veterinary expenses, antibiotics, fly control, hauling, advertising, fence and barn repairs, pasture maintenance, feed buckets and water troughs, vehicle and trailer expenses/repairs, round the clock bottle feeding - not to mention all the time, blood, sweat, and tears. Why are we looking to lower tariffs on imported beef rather than provide a strategy for American farmers - OUR farmers - to achieve their herd goals, produce more beef, and make sure those consumer doors keep revolving?? America can certainly be a leader in the beef industry when it comes to supplying quality meat at affordable prices. But this latest move...it's not a slap in the face. It's a punch in the gut.
