USDA Secretary Rollins visits Lincoln to discuss future of American beef
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Lincoln’s State Capitol building on Monday evening to speak directly to Nebraska cattle producers about the future of the industry.
Gov. Pillen started the meeting by saying that Nebraska’s cattle industry ‘raises the tide,’ strengthening other facets of the state’s economy.
Once Sec. Rollins took the mic, she described five ways that things can only get better for an industry that currently sits at its lowest level in 75 years.
“We have to stop the trend or we lose this country, that’s how important this is,” said Rollins.
With high hopes, Sec. Rollins explained the various causes for the current low cattle herd in Nebraska and the reason for the temporary increase in beef imports from abroad.
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“It’s drought. It’s a war that’s been waged by, from my perspective, the other side, who are trying to blame cattle for climate change and don’t want cattle to begin with. It is a market that tends to be slightly unstable. It’s an industry that you’re losing for whatever reason, tens of thousands of participants through consolidation, the input costs, etc.”
Rollins then outlined a five-point plan to rectify the situation.
One, allowing producers economic value to retain their heifers, two, an EPC grassland conservation allowing farmers to rebuild infrastructure and three, ensuring small loans for regional beef, lamb and sheep producers.
“Also, number four, changing the federal procurement rules on prioritizing great American beef and protein, but beef at the top of the list,” she said.
“And then finally today, we announced the establishment of a new office at USDA focusing on veteran farmers beginning and veteran farmer and rancher affairs.”
Many of the ranchers surrounding Sec. Rollins nodded their heads in agreement.
Gov. Pillen said that although he may not always be in agreeance with the powers that be, he made it clear that he stands up for Nebraska.
“And I said, Mr. President, thank you for putting in that you will rescind the CO when the price doesn’t come down,” he said.
“Everybody in this room, we can compete against anybody in the world. Bring it on.”
After the meeting concluded, two ranchers told Channel 8 that they felt the Monday’s conversations with Sec. Rollins were positive, but time will tell how grocery prices change and how Nebraska cattle herds grow.
