USDA Secretary at CattleCon
Sonny Perdue gives highlights of beef industry status at beginning of year.
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue foresees a generally bright future for U.S. farmers and ranchers. Perdue made an appearance during the Feb. 5 opening general session of the Cattle Industry Convention, hosted in San Antonio, Texas. In a question-and-answer session with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Jennifer Houston, Perdue said a decline in total cattle numbers and strong product demand are good for beef and cattle prices.
“There are challenges, of course, but I’m optimistic,” said Perdue. “I’m bullish on agriculture in general.”
Commenting on advancement of foreign trade, the USDA secretary called the bilateral trade agreement with Japan a “big deal” for beef producers in particular. The new agreement significantly reduces tariffs on chilled and frozen beef exported to Japan — the largest foreign market for U.S. beef. Noting the Phase One implementation of a trade agreement with China, Perdue said that country is a hugely promising market. The Trump administration has predicted that U.S. beef sales to China could reach $1 billion annually.
Asked to share his perspective on the sustainability of agriculture, Perdue said sustainability rests on three pillars. Practices must be both environmentally and socially acceptable, but also economically sound. Perdue praised agricultural producers for their application of technology and modern methods of production that have allowed them to “do more with less.”
Acknowledging the abundance, safety and affordability of the U.S. food supply, Perdue said U.S. consumers spend only 6% of their disposable income on food. He contrasted that with France, where food purchases claim 13% of disposable income. Perdue said the difference — some $830 billion — is an example of what U.S. agricultural producers give back to U.S. consumers.
Asked if so-called fake meat represents a significant threat to beef producers, Perdue expressed doubt that plant- or cell-based protein products would move far beyond a niche market.
“I don’t think beef producers have anything to fear,” grinned Perdue. “Most Americans are carnivores and will continue to be carnivores.”
Cattle folk and other agricultural producers need to step up their efforts to educate consumers about how they do what they do, Perdue said. “We all need to do a better job of telling our story.”
Editor’s note: Troy Smith is a cattleman and freelance editor from Sargent, Neb. Photo courtesy AgWired.
