UPDATE: Tensions escalate as cattle ranchers push back against former President Donald Trump’s recent claims regarding beef prices. In a striking rebuttal on Saturday, October 7, 2023, Craig Bieber, vice president of the South Dakota Cattleman’s Beef Association, declared Trump “delusional” for attributing the current success of cattle ranchers to his tariffs.
Trump’s comments, made in a post on Truth Social on October 4, 2023, suggested that ranchers are enjoying booming profits solely because of his administration’s policies, including a 50% tariff on cattle imports from Brazil. He claimed, “If it weren’t for me, they would be doing just as they’ve done for the past 20 years — Terrible!” Trump’s remarks have ignited a firestorm of criticism from industry leaders.
During an appearance on MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” Bieber stated, “I think the president is delusional in the fact that he had anything to do with these markets.” He emphasized that the cattle industry was already on an upward trajectory due to prior hardships, including drought, which had significantly reduced the cattle herd. “Almost everybody in the industry that was self-aware knew this was coming,” Bieber added, underscoring the disconnect between Trump’s narrative and the realities faced by ranchers.
Bieber’s comments come amid a broader context of fluctuating beef prices and consumer concerns. Ranchers are grappling with market dynamics that are influenced by various factors beyond just tariffs. Bieber pointed out, “The tariffs didn’t have anything to do with where we were at from a market standpoint.” His statements reflect a growing frustration within the industry regarding external misconceptions about their success.
The debate over beef pricing and tariffs is not just a political issue; it has immediate implications for consumers and ranchers alike. As beef prices continue to rise, consumers are feeling the pinch, prompting calls for more transparency and fairness in pricing.
As this situation develops, stakeholders in the cattle industry are closely monitoring the market and the ongoing dialogue with policymakers. Bieber’s strong words signal a potential rallying point for ranchers to advocate for their interests in the face of political rhetoric.
This unfolding story raises important questions about the real drivers behind cattle prices and the impact of political statements on an already volatile market. Stay tuned for further updates as ranchers and industry leaders continue to respond to these claims.
