UPDATE: Tensions escalate as cattle ranchers push back against former President Donald Trump‘s recent claims regarding beef prices. During a heated segment on MSNBC this morning, Craig Bieber, vice president of the South Dakota Cattleman’s Beef Association, declared Trump “delusional” for suggesting that tariffs were responsible for ranchers’ improved market conditions.
Trump’s controversial statement on December 2, 2023, via his platform Truth Social, claimed that the surge in cattle prices was directly linked to his administration’s implementation of a 50% tariff on Brazilian beef. He stated, “If it weren’t for me, they would be doing just as they’ve done for the past 20 years — Terrible!”
In response, Bieber strongly rejected Trump’s assertions, emphasizing that the cattle market was already trending upward due to years of recovery from severe drought conditions that had previously depleted the cow herd. “Almost everybody in the industry knew this was coming,” Bieber stated. “The tariffs didn’t have anything to do with where we were at from a market standpoint.”
This exchange highlights the growing divide between political rhetoric and the realities faced by the agricultural sector. Ranchers are now dealing with the implications of higher consumer prices while navigating the complexities of market recovery.
As discussions continue, the cattle industry faces critical challenges ahead. Ranchers are urging clarity and support from all political fronts to maintain their livelihoods and ensure the stability of beef prices for consumers.
The situation is developing, and further commentary from industry leaders is expected in the coming days. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
