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 struggling with soaring costs and a shift in political loyalty towards President Donald Trump. Yvette Mannon, a Nebraska rancher, faced the loss of 1,600 grazing acres and 13 miles of fence due to a wildfire in April, which required costly repairs and feeding her cattle on limited land. The high price of steel and diesel, both influenced by tariffs and the Iran War, added to her financial burden.
When Trump announced plans to import 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef in August, Mannon felt betrayed as it coincided with the weaning and selling of US calves. Many farmers and ranchers across the US feel burdened by government policies, with President Trump's intervention in the beef market further frustrating them. The agricultural industry has experienced a downturn, with cattle markets declining due to low supply and high demand.
Farmers like Dan Osborn and Jake Wolfinger are losing hundreds of dollars per head, and the president's policies, such as importing foreign beef, are seen as detrimental to their livelihoods.
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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