During a news briefing at World Dairy Expo, Ag Secretary Rollins was asked about President Trump’s decision to increase beef imports. Despite high consumer prices, Rollins acknowledged beef demand has remained strong. “As prices continue to creep up, for example, for a pound of ground beef, normal supply and demand would tell you that demand would go down when prices go up,” said Rollins. “What was happening was exactly the opposite, that the prices continued to rise and people continued to buy.” Despite the short-term decision by President Trump, Rollins said the administration is doing everything it can to support beef producers. She cited the expansion of federal grazing land and support for small to medium sized processors. “It’s just going to take a while for the herd to rebuild and we’re making sure that our ranchers know that we will continue to be the most pro rancher administration and the most pro rancher USDA in history.” During the news conference, Rollins also hinted the White House would have an announcement about diesel prices very soon.
