FORT WORTH, Texas
A veteran rancher commented recently that the Trump administration seems to have a better grasp on the needs of the beef industry, essential for providing quality beef to Americans.
Steve Sykes, who leads the Texas and Southwest Cattlemen’s Association (TSCRA), noted in an interview that previous administrations imposed burdensome regulations on ranchers, but this has shifted. “We still have the EPA, and it’s functioning well now, but it often hindered ranchers before with near-impossible regulations,” he said, recalling issues like the Waters of the United States rule that aimed to control water resources.
Sykes further expressed appreciation for the current Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, who he believes truly understands agriculture, owing to her background as a Texas A&M graduate. “Everyone in government has been quite supportive. Rollins is exceptional,” he added.
Indeed, reports indicated that Rollins aims to mend the trust between farmers, ranchers, and policymakers in Washington, D.C. She stated, “Every day I realize this job is the greatest honor of my life. Regardless of the future, we must preserve the America we all knew as children.”
When asked about the differences between the Biden and Trump administrations, Sykes remarked, “It’s like night and day.” He believes that with Biden out of the way, common sense has prevailed in the country.
Sykes, whose family has been in ranching since 1876, is keenly aware of the ongoing struggles and victories in the industry. The reduced herd size, he mentioned, largely stems from several years of drought in Texas, forcing ranchers to cut back due to insufficient water and grazing materials.
Despite these challenges, he emphasized the importance of responsible land stewardship and animal care. “We’re not just leaving the land alone; we take care of the cows because their health is crucial,” he stated.
Sykes described the relationship with the major meat companies—like JBS, Cargill, Tyson Foods, and National Beef—as a “love-hate” affair. With beef prices rising, he said, while packers struggle financially, ranchers are seeing some profit.
According to reports, those four processors dominate 85% of the beef market, leading President Trump to direct the Department of Justice to investigate them for possible price-fixing activities.
When discussing Trump’s recent actions, Sykes noted the approval of importing an additional 80,000 tons of lean beef trimmings yearly from Argentina, which could lower prices within the U.S. “Most people prefer U.S. beef; it’s very desirable. But allowing imports might help with costs,” he reasoned.
He also highlighted emerging threats, like the New World screwworm, which poses a risk to herds as it spreads from Mexico. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has already enacted a disaster declaration to prepare for this threat.
“I’ve seen these flies before, and they cause havoc for herds,” Sykes mentioned, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Another concern he raised involved uninspected cattle crossing into the U.S. from South America and mixing with USDA-approved beef, which could endanger food safety. “It’s a tricky situation. We need to monitor it closely, and I think Rollins understands that. That’s why she restricted cattle imports from Mexico,” he explained, acknowledging the complexity of such trading relationships.
Ultimately, Sykes conveyed pride in American ranchers for their commitment to ensuring safe food production. He affirmed that ranching organizations are adhering to regulations and striving to be an effective industry that feeds the nation.
