The Roads to Trump's 1 vs Cattle Ranchers' 1

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Belle of the Ranch 8 min 2 speakers 6 chapters transcribed

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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?

Beau 0:01

Well, howdy there, Internet people. It's Belle again. And welcome to The Roads with Belle. Today is the 23rd of October, and today we're going down the roads to Trump versus America's ranchers. We're going down this road because the social media account for Merriweather Farms, which, if you don't know, is kind of a big deal, posted a message to Trump. And boy, is it a doozy. I'm going to read it and provide a little commentary along the way.

Unknown 0:34

Since I feel like somebody from there might watch this, I want to start by saying we are not the same. You might see in the comments that I have a ranch. I have a ranch for rescue horses.

Beau 0:49

I don't have a massive operation where people lose their jobs if the ranch doesn't turn a profit. I'm willing to bet you have single pastures bigger than our whole place. But I do think I can help a bit here. I know the comments under your post were brutal. Most were saying this is what you voted for.

What message did Merriweather Farms send to Trump?

Beau 1:09

And it is. But I don't think you knew that. As we go through, I'm going to point out some signs from the past. Here's the message. Dear Social Media Tag Trump, We love you and support you, but your suggestion to buy beef from Argentina to stabilize beef prices would be an absolute betrayal to the American cattle rancher. We understand there are large economic and geopolitical dynamics at play, including countering CCP influence in countries in our hemisphere. But the practice of solving problems over there before solving problems here on our soil is what contributed to the downfall of our country. Americans always come last. Let me stop here. What makes you think his moves are countering CCP influence?

Beau 2:09

If Oklahoma slaps a massive tax on your beef and Colorado doesn't, who has more influence over your decisions? His tariffs are pushing countries to China, not pulling them away. Okay, back to the message. Quote,

How do tariffs affect American cattle ranchers?

Beau 2:27

We understand beef prices are high, and we admire your concern for all Americans. But this is not the fault of the American producer. This is the fault of politicians who have allowed BRICS-aligned entities to dominate the meat industry, that participate in price-fixing, and who also continually lie to their consumers. Washington, for decades, has facilitated the squeezing of our own ranchers, while allowing these entities to flood the market with cheaper, lower-quality imports. And the American people don't even know these products are foreign, because they are allowed to be marked as Product of the USA. On top of all this, there is only chaos coming from the Department of Agriculture. There is no true guidance, mixed messaging, and a copious amount of photo ops.

Beau 3:23

There is no one to trust over there that truly understands the issues and isn't bought out by or aligned with big industries. The Cattlemen's Association endorsed her for some reason, but Trump's USDA secretary used to run the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and during that time, it argued against USDA loans and loan guarantees. This USDA is going to back Trump, not you. The American cattle rancher is one of the last symbols of independence we have in the nation. But the continued manipulation and betrayal by the very people who claim to support them needs to end immediately. Where does that betrayal come from? The last quarter under Obama, farmland loan delinquency was down to less than 1.5%, numbers we hadn't seen since before the Great Recession.

Beau 4:28

Trump takes over and it's steadily climbed.

What are the economic impacts of foreign beef imports?

Beau 4:32

And in the first quarter of 2020, it was double. Under Biden, farmers could pay their bills. Delinquency rates dropped to less than 1%, the lowest numbers going back to at least 1991. Halfway through the first year of Trump's second term, and they're up by almost half. Trump isn't good for agriculture, but you know that. Back to the message. While only representing 1% of the population, the work is tireless, daily, in poor conditions, with low margins, without thanks, all in order to keep this country fed. We would be a failed nation if we continue to betray the very people who put food on the table for us.