Steve Sikes ranching – photo courtesy of Steve Sikes
Posted on 04/25/2026 12:12:27 PM PDT by SoConPubbie
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Director Steve Sikes told Breitbart News that under past administrations, ranchers were pressured by rules that made their work more difficult, but things have since changed.
“We’ve got the EPA that is run pretty well, and in the past that was always a deterrent for ranchers because they were putting in rules that were almost impossible to cope with. They had a rule several years ago that was called the Waters of the USA. They wanted to control all the water… if water dripped off your hat, and fell onto the soil, the United States, the government, felt like they were in charge of that. So, they wouldn’t let you do a lot of things. They’ve taken that away,” Sikes explained.
Steve Sikes ranching – photo courtesy of Steve Sikes
“The other departments of the government, they are very helpful. The USDA, we’ve got a great secretary of Ag [agriculture] in Brooke Rollins. She is fantastic,” he said, adding she was a Texas A&M graduate who “understands agriculture very well.”
Indeed, Rollins has made it part of her mission to restore trust between America’s farmers, ranchers, and leaders in Washington, DC, Breitbart News reported April 6.
“I feel this job every day, and it is the greatest honor of my life. Nothing will ever — no matter what comes next — will ever come close to this moment in time of what God has called us to do; to save America, to save rural America, to ensure that our children and our
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
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When asked how he views the difference between how former President Joe Biden’s (D) administration and President Trump’s administration have been leading the nation, Sikes said it was “Like night and day.”
“As soon as Biden got out of the way, the United States returned to a country that could trade and use common sense,” he commented.
Sikes’ family has been in the ranching industry since 1876, therefore he is no stranger to the difficulties and triumphs they experience year after year. In regard to the decline in herd size, he said it was predominantly due to a drought in Texas that has been going on for years, and ranchers were forced to reduce their herds because there was not enough water or grass.
However, Sikes explained that despite the hard times, “We try to be good stewards of the land and not just let it go to pot. Also, you have to take care of the cattle. They’re very important. Animals, they have a right to excellent care and health protocols.”
I wonder what he thinks of the administration’s efforts to import more beef?
You support increasing the importation of beef?
Is that what you’re saying?
Every rancher in America is opposed to it.
Yet, it keeps the packers rolling in the bucks.
Simply put, Trump is a businessman. He knows what it takes to run a business, and how best to help those that wish to do it.
Ranchers need the higher prices to keep their heifers off the feed lot. It’s the only way to restore the diminished herd.
And yes, my dad and I used to raise and sell beef cattle.
I quit it when he died.
Somebody is making money in farming and ranching, but it sure isn't the farmers and ranchers. We have a 160-acre wheat farm in OK, and you would starve to death trying to make a living off of it. Any utility companies out there looking to lease land for a solar farm? Give me a call.
The US has been subsidizing the Ukrainian grain that flooded many overseas markets...driving down prices everywhere.
https://ge.usembassy.gov/100-million-u-s-initiative-boosts-ukrainian-agriculture/
Above is but one example. USAID did nearly $300 mil too.
Every? Impossible.
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