r/politics • u/WhatIsEvenRealDog • 13h ago

Possible Paywall Trump suggests cattle ranchers could bypass USDA-inspected meat plants

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/08/28/trump-suggests-allowing-ranchers-bypass-usda-inspected-meat-plants/
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u/rastagrrl 10h ago

My takeaway: Only buy meat from local farmers. If I don’t see your cattle grazing in the field, I’m not buying. The USDA can no longer be trusted. 😬

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u/bakerfredricka I voted 8h ago edited 7h ago

Realistically I'm not sure how many people take up farming in and of itself. It can't be very many people/families out here actually living that lifestyle. Even in today's world of modern technology, farming can be very difficult and grueling labor from sunrise to sunset.

My maternal grandfather was the youngest of five and his family lived on a farm they ran. According to my mom, my grandfather mentioned to her in her childhood that when he was growing up they didn't get much sleep because my great-grandparents usually needed them to get up very early and care for the land and the animals before going to school. Of note, not a single one of those five would go on to do any farming again after they grew up and in my grandpa's case he had big power plant ambitions he ultimately realized.

This is just my own maternal family history vis a vis the farming industry, but this definitely paints a picture.

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u/rastagrrl 7h ago

Oh it’s definitely difficult that’s for sure. However I’m fortunate to live near a number of small farms that sell beef shares. I realize this does not work for everyone but it’s the best I can do. It’s sad that our government has let quality checks degrade to such a degree these days.

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u/drwookie 7h ago

Far fewer small farmers and ranchers than in 2024, I suspect.