URGENT UPDATE: A fierce response erupted this morning as cattle ranchers took to airwaves to counter former President Donald Trump‘s recent claims about beef prices. On Saturday, October 14, 2023, during an appearance on MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” Craig Bieber, vice president of the South Dakota Cattleman’s Beef Association, labeled Trump’s assertions as “delusional,” emphasizing the disconnect between the former president’s statements and the realities faced by ranchers.
Trump’s comments, made earlier this week on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, on his platform Truth Social, suggested that ranchers were benefiting from his administration’s tariffs on imported cattle, including a staggering 50% tariff on Brazilian beef. He claimed, “If it weren’t for me, they would be doing just as they’ve done for the past 20 years — Terrible!” His remarks ignited immediate backlash from those within the industry.
Responding to Trump’s allegations, Bieber stated, “I think the president is delusional in the fact that, I mean, he had anything to do with these markets.” He explained that the cattle market was already on an upswing due to years of challenging conditions, including droughts that had diminished the cow herd, leading to an anticipated shortage of cattle.
Bieber further criticized the notion that tariffs were responsible for the current market conditions, asserting, “The tariffs didn’t have anything to do with where we were at from a market standpoint. Almost everybody in the industry that was aware knew this was coming.”
This exchange highlights the growing tension between ranchers and political figures, sparking conversations about the realities of agricultural economics and the implications for consumers.
As this story develops, attention remains focused on the impact of these comments on the cattle industry and the broader implications for agricultural policies. Cattle ranchers and consumers alike are anxious to see how these statements might influence future discussions surrounding trade and pricing in the beef market.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds.
