Deb Fischer’s Ineffective Leadership Means Nebraskans Lose
Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are joining Jane Raybould in warning Washington that these new tariffs, the sparks to ignite a trade war, could have dire consequences for not only the Cornhusker ag economy, but the economic health and wellbeing of the entire state.
In response to the lack of effective leadership in protecting the economic security of Nebraskans, farmers and ranchers from across the state had this to say:
Ben Steffen, Owner/Operator of Steffen Ag Inc., former President of Nebraska Agriculture Builders:
“As a lifelong Republican, I’m incredibly disappointed with Senator Deb Fischer’s lack of leadership in Washington. When she was campaigning, she promised to stand up for farmers and ranchers but on her watch Nebraska lost its voice on the Agriculture Committee for the first time in nearly 50 years. Now we’re headed for a potentially devastating trade war–and again, Fischer isn’t looking out for Nebraska.”
Eugene Glock, Owner/Operator of Cedar Bell Farms, Inaugural President of Nebraska Soybean Association:
“As a lifelong farmer who has prided himself on being involved in every way possible to make farming better for each following generation for the last 70 crop years, I have always fought for fair trade practices–and I am concerned with Washington’s move to impose tariffs on some of the best customers for our agricultural products. Unilateral action without regard for the possible harm to agricultural producers is unacceptable. I am certain that as our next U.S. Senator Jane Raybould will pursue more moderate and fair methods of addressing inequities that now exist in our trade relations with the rest of the world.”
Bart Ruth, Owner/Operator of Bart Ruth Farms, former American Soybean Association President:
“China has become the largest global consumer of U.S. produced soybeans, importing roughly one third of the U.S. crop. This didn’t happen overnight, or by chance. Years of hard work by U.S. producers, trade negotiators, and industry partners, along with Foreign Market Development & Market Access Program funds, created a market and a trading relationship that benefits all producers. The American Soybean Association opened their first office in China in 1982, so to see the success of the that trading relationship nearly four decades later is incredibly gratifying. American Agriculture should be outraged that Washington is willing to risk destroying that market and negatively impacting every American producer.
The impact of any retaliatory response to the steel and aluminum tariffs would be devastating to Nebraska agriculture producers. At a time when producers are coming off of several years of rough economic conditions, any disruption in global trade would be felt all across the State. With roughly half of U.S. soybean production being exported, any action that risks a potential trade war is irresponsible.”
