Ranching Families Must Stand Up For Our Way of Life
This past week has been interesting for beef cattle producers, to say the least. Who knew that an interview and a social media post from the President could send the market into chaos and unite ranchers from every political spectrum and various ag associations?
As we look at the chaos of the last several days, and as the dust settles following the now-released USDA plan, I've pondered a few fundamental truths that I hope we can all reflect upon:
- Nobody is a better advocate for your way of life than you. No lobbying group or association can tell your story better than the people who live it. Your story is powerful, and it needs to be heard.
- Decisions are made by the people who show up, and if there's one thing I've seen in this past week is that there are so many ranchers who have gotten loud and engaged in the political process, and rightfully so. But we cannot just do it when our back is against the wall or the market takes a hit; we need to show up consistently, sharing our story repeatedly.
- When truth, conviction, passion, patriotism, and leadership shows up in a cowboy hat, it makes a difference. We need more independent producers to speak up, show up, and stand up. Together, we are a strong and powerful voice. Alone, we might not be able to move the needle, but standing locked arms, we can achieve much.
- The elephant in the room continues to be the packer monopoly, where 85% of our beef supply is held captive by four major players, two that are foreign-owned. I will continue to ask our politicians the question, "What exactly is the threshold for a monopoly?"
- Ranchers don't want a handout. We don’t want a bandaid on a bullet wound. We want a fair and even playing field to compete. Beef can stack up in the meat case against any competition. American ranchers raise the best beef in the entire world. Let us compete!
- Good fences make good neighbors. We need to urge our elected officials to protect the nation's cow herd from foreign disease. That means securing our borders from Foot and Mouth Disease and New World Screwworm. No unfunded mandates for electronic ID tags for U.S. producers. Let the burden of cost and regulation be on the foreign producers who want to do business here.
- Consumers deserve transparency and truth in labeling. If it says “Product of the USA,” it better actually be true. No loopholes that allow for the mislabeling of products; our customers deserve better.
- Beef demand is at a 40-year high, and we are not losing significant market share to cheaper protein sources like pork and chicken. This tells me consumers love what we do. They trust our product because in America, innovative cattle producers have focused on quality, consistency, taste, flavor, tenderness, and marbling. This is an exceptional product that people want. Willing buyers and sellers coming together. That’s free market capitalism, just the way we like it.
- If budget constraints are an issue at the grocery store for American families, it is up to us to educate folks on cost-friendly cuts such as ground beef, rump roasts, chuck eye steaks, etc., and how to prepare them. When buying beef and eating it nose-to-tail, beef is very economical! And it’s a nutritional powerhouse, to boot! Sure, a ribeye or a filet mignon are pricey, but it takes two years to get this rare and valuable cut on the plate. There is a reason it is expensive, because these cuts are coveted and desired by buyers!
- Even in the midst of extreme market dips, confusion, angry rhetoric, and industry in-fighting, there's a silver lining in all of this -- the fundamentals cannot be slowed down. Our nation's cow herd is at an all-time low, and auction barns across the country are reporting record-high sales. For those of you who have been in the grind and survived through the ups and downs of this way of life, it's time to be paid. High prices are a great incentive for ranchers to continue doing what they do best, without government intervention.
- Finally, just like many of you, this morning, my husband and I got up early; fed the cattle we are so proud of; hoped and dreamed for what is ahead; and will continue to work hard doing what we love to do. God has blessed us with the opportunity to be stewards of the land, the livestock, the natural resources, our children, and our community. May we never lose sight of exactly that.
This is a way of life worth fighting for. I pray we all find strength to continue to stand up for it.
God bless,
Amanda Radke
Radke Land & Cattle
Bid On Beef | All American Angus Beef
Mitchell, South Dakota