WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — In the cattle markets, President Donald Trump’s comments about producers getting prices down sent the market lower in a hurry. And then, hours later, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a long-awaited plan for ranchers and consumers.
The plan does not include any direct payments to ranchers. Instead, its primary focus is on reducing red tape for herd expansion and cutting producers a break at the processor, including reopening around 24 million acres of federal grazing land, streamlining permits, and expanding risk options for beginning ranchers.
USDA is looking to expand loan opportunities for small plants and would drastically cut overtime and holiday inspection fees for some operations. The Department also wants to boost farm-to-school grants to keep beef in schools. In addition, the plan addresses labeling rules that ranchers say have kept them from competing with international products.
Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer, whose state ranks among the nation’s top beef producers, joined RFD-TV’s Market Day Report on Thursday to weigh in on the announcement.
In her interview with RFD-TV News, Sen. Fischer shared her initial takeaways from the plan, producer priorities in her state, and whether the administration is doing enough to prioritize America’s ranchers.
“I think it’s a step in the right direction,” Sen. Fischer told RFD-TV News. “It’s a recognition that many times, ranchers were looked over when it comes to different programs out there. Obviously, the disaster aid that’s available for ranchers when we’re going through storms, drought, or flooding, you know, that’s extremely helpful.”
Fischer also touched on trade concerns over potential beef imports from Argentina, the future of E-15 legislation following the American Petroleum Institute’s reversal on year-round sales, and the economic pressures facing Nebraska farmers amid the ongoing government shutdown.
