Trump is planning to increase the amount of tariff-free beef from Argentina to lower hamburger prices by 25%. Ranchers oppose this action because of their high operating costs and low herd numbers. The number of cattle is low because of drought, wildfires, and livestock disease and the cost of diesel is outrageous with one rancher telling me it costs him $125 to fill up his truck. Fertilizer is expensive due to Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz. Lowering beef prices shouldn’t mean hurting Wyoming ranchers. Washington could help Wyoming ranchers solve the problem by rebuilding cattle herds, expanding local processing, and bringing back the Country of Origin legislation so consumers can identify American beef. “We can bring grocery prices down by increasing American production and competition – not by asking Wyoming ranchers to take the hit,” responded President Justin Tupper of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA). He continued, “You don’t put America first by putting U.S. cattle producers last.”

I will work to help American ranchers and residents by removing tariffs on everyday products as well as introducing legislation to bring back Country of Origin labeling. My goal is to help all consumers as soon as possible.