In the May 14 issue of Western Ag Reporter, John Goggins carefully documented the various recent self-congratulatory comments and actions by President Trump about both loving U.S. cattlemen, and helping the consumer on beef prices. In short, Trump, declared “beef prices are too high,” earlier this month, and again raised the import quota for more beef imports. The President issued a proclamation identifying problems for cattlemen, whose herd numbers are at a 75-year national low, because of such factors as the drought, and then Trump boasted of helping the consumer by allowing more beef imports, which he said is part of his “taking action to strengthen the nation’s supply of affordable beef.” U.S. imports of Brazilian beef in the first quarter set a record this year.
Goggins wrote: “Here is the irritating part for me while trying to digest all of this. These past couple of weeks I have been getting quite a few calls, texts, and emails from producers that have all been pretty much saying the same thing: President Trump better never say beef prices are too high ever again…. But, with that said, EVERYBODY [sic] that has called, texted, and emailed have ALL said the same thing: President Trump needs to remember who got him elected in both of his presidential races!
“I guarantee the majority of those of us involved in production agriculture in this country feel like President Trump is turning his back on all of us responsible for getting him elected.”
