Farmers and ranchers have been stuck in a rut for a few years, thanks to the Biden Administration. Stringent regulations have put people in unaffordable situations, and in the case of the egg price crisis, many producers have been left decimated by the bird flu. In response to that bird flu outbreak, the Biden Administration decided the best course of action was to kill off millions of chickens. The result has been soaring egg prices, as supply bleeds out.
But the new Trump Administration, and new Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, has brought about new hope for farmers and consumers alike. Sec. Rolllins, a native Texan, has brought fresh perspective and experience to the role. Together with President Trump, they have egg prices in their sights, along with numerous other plans to support our nation's backbone, the farmers.
Gary Joiner of the Texas Farm Bureau says the duo has a multi-pronged attack to help fix our agriculture industry. But first on the list is egg prices, which might take some short-term assistance.
"They could allow some temporary import opportunities to bring in some eggs from outside sources to help bolster the supply," he says. "Right now, that is what is driving the cost is a lack of supply, and it will take a while for those bird populations to grow again."
That would be a short-term solution, of course. Which would be helpful to bridge that gap between the mass chicken elimination and repopulating the coops.
The industry has struggled with all the high prices as well, due to rampant inflation brought about by the Biden Administration. That has left many producers stuck profiting break-even at best, if that, which creates a much broader issue.
"I think it is a matter of national security...it is a matter of our country being successful, and being confident it can grow its own food year after year...and federal farm policy is going to have a lot of impact in making sure that gets done," says Joiner.
Longer term plans would be rolling back regulations and allowing farmers to do their jobs again as they intend. That is going to take some baby steps, as all the other chaos unfolds in Washington.
But with a native Texan who actually understands farming at President Trumps side, there is renewed light at the end of the tunnel.
"She has been very active since she has been on board...there is hope and optimism now there is a strong advocate in the white house for President Trump to consult about agriculture policy, and what impacts it has on farmers and ranchers," Joiner says.
The focus is bringing down egg prices, first and foremost. But this duo could help American farmers get back to doing what they love, in their own way. Maybe, with any luck too, help consumers feel less strained.
Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP / Getty Images