Donald Trump has announced that livestock farmers and agricultural producers will be permitted to process their own feed, a move aimed at breaking the dominance of large industrial processors. This decision follows discussions with conservative commentator Glenn Beck, who urged Trump to consider easing regulations on livestock related to meat processing.
Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the current situation on social media, noting that there are only four major processors, which he considers an insufficiently competitive market. He stated that he cannot allow such a situation to persist, describing the current state as a 'low monopoly' that makes life difficult for livestock farmers. The aim of the new measures is to prevent such concentration of power in the hands of large processing plants.
The US Secretary of Agriculture announced that 'major announcements' will be made next week, allowing livestock farmers and agricultural producers to process their own feed. This move is intended to create a more favourable environment for smaller producers and reduce dependence on large corporations.
In response to trade issues, the Agriculture Secretary defended Trump's decision to suspend higher tariffs on 300,000 metric tons of foreign cattle. Deeming it a short-term solution, the minister highlighted that the American market would be supplied with cheaper beef, which should temporarily ease the situation.
The Trump administration last week lifted the rule that had protected old-growth trees for over two decades. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, this change puts 7.4 million acres of habitat for endangered species at risk. The administration stated that the previous restrictions had prevented the treatment of forests, which would improve their health and reduce the risk of fire.
The new regulations open up more than 45 million acres of national forest to thinning, testing, and tree felling. This measure is part of a broader forest resource management strategy, although it has raised concerns among environmental advocates due to the potential ecological consequences.
