United States Senator Deb Fischer’s Weekly Column
As the farm economy continues to struggle – exacerbated by the ongoing government shutdown – Nebraska’s agricultural producers are feeling the strain. Agriculture is the economic backbone of our state, and when our farmers and ranchers suffer, so does the entire Nebraska economy.
That’s why I voiced concern about the administration’s announcement to import foreign beef. Since then, I’ve been in contact with the administration and my colleagues in Congress to seek clarity and express my deep concerns.
If the goal is to address rising beef prices at the grocery store, this is not the way to do it.
Government intervention in the beef market would only make matters worse for American producers. The United States already has the safest, most reliable beef supply in the world — and it remains one of the few bright spots in a challenging agricultural economy. Nebraska’s cattle ranchers simply cannot afford to have the rug pulled out from under them when so many are just starting to get ahead or simply breaking even.
I commend President Trump for continuing his fight to secure America-first trade deals in Southeast Asia and working to end China’s economic aggression against the United States. His administration has already made progress on several trade agreements that strengthen America’s position abroad. This includes China’s recent purchase of U.S. soybean cargoes – the first purchases from our harvest this year. I support these efforts, especially when they lead to long-term, fair trade relationships that benefit U.S. agriculture. I am optimistic he will secure more of these deals soon.
I am encouraging the administration to also work for positive trade agreements for our livestock producers. We can and should work together to protect our ranchers while also providing affordable food for families.
I recently met with the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Board of Directors to hear their concerns firsthand. They share the same worries: Nebraska ranchers need stability and fair markets, not competition from imported beef that undercuts their hard work.
I’m encouraged by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new cattle market plan, which includes important steps to improve ranching operations and reduce bureaucratic red tape. By streamlining permitting and authorizations across the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, the USDA will help ranchers gain faster access to forage and provide much-needed flexibility during droughts, wildfires, and other natural disasters. These actions will reduce administrative burdens and bring greater certainty to ranchers when they need it most.
Nebraska’s producers deserve policies that strengthen — not undermine — our ag economy. I will continue fighting to ensure that our ranchers’ livelihoods are protected and that any government action supports the success of American agriculture for generations to come.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
