American ranchers wrestle with soaring costs - and their loyalty to Trump
Many farmers in states that backed the president say they are being hit from all sides, with the crucial midterm elections just weeks away.
Nebraska ranchers are grappling with mounting costs and their allegiance to former President Donald Trump, according to a report. Yvette Mannon, a Nebraska rancher, was already facing challenges in the year leading up to August when a wildfire burned 1,600 acres of her land and 13 miles of fencing. The costs of replacing the fencing and feeding her herd increased due to high steel prices and escalating diesel prices, which were driven by the Iran War.
In August, the Trump administration announced it would import 300,000 metric tons of duty-free foreign beef to lower consumer prices, but this announcement came right before the critical weaning and selling season for US calves. This move reportedly left Mannon feeling betrayed. Many farmers and ranchers across the US express that they are being affected from all sides, with government policies adding to their struggles.
Some in Nebraska, a state that heavily supported Trump, are reconsidering their political affiliations. Both Trump and Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen have recently introduced relief policies to address the fuel cost concerns of farmers and ranchers. However, the overall impact on the cattle market has been negative, with agricultural economist James Mitchell noting that the industry recently enjoyed a lucrative period but is now on a downward trend.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
