Trump emphasizes role of farmers in ‘making America great’

Nashville, Tenn. – On Jan. 9, President Donald Trump became the first president in 25 years, since George H.W. Bush, to address the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). 

Referring to Zippy Duvall, AFBF president, Trump said, “Zippy drove the tractor during the Inauguration. It was a special day, and from that day on, we’ve been working every day to deliver for America’s farmers, just as they work to deliver for us.”

“Our nation was founded by farmers. Our independence was won by farmers. Our continent was tamed by farmers, and our armies have been fed by and made up of farmers,” Trump continued. “Throughout our history, farmers have always led the way.”

Making progress

Despite the broad-ranging backgrounds of AFBF’s members, Trump added American farmers have been instrumental through time and praised farmers for embodying the values of hard work, grit, self-reliance and determination necessary for Americans. 

“These are the values we need to make America great again,” he said. 

Since he was inaugurated as President of the United States, Trump noted much progress has been made in the economy of the U.S.

“It’s very early, only 11 months in, and we’ve seen incredible results,” he explained. “We’ve created more than 2 million new jobs since the election.”

At the same time, economic growth has surged above three percent, which is ahead of where economists projected. 

“Unemployment is at a 17-year low, and African American unemployment is at the lowest it’s ever been in the history of our records,” Trump added. “It’s great.”

The stock market has also hit numerous all-time records. 

Tax cuts

The Trump administration has also worked with Congress to pass significant tax reforms, to the tune of $5.5 trillion in tax cuts. 

“Republicans came together to deliver historic relief for famers and our middle class,” Trump said. “It wasn’t easy, but we can’t let anything happen to these cuts. We cannot let anything happened to what we’re doing now.”

Among the highlights of tax reform, Trump cited a doubling of the child tax credit and standard deduction, a reduction in tax rates for small businesses from 35 percent to 21 percent and advantages for small businesses.

“Under the new law, a typical family of four earning $75,000 a year will see an income tax of $2,000 each, slashing their tax bill in half each year,” he said.

He also noted farmers and ranchers will be spared from the estate tax’s crippling cost. 

“Farmers will be spared from the punishment of the deeply unfair estate tax, known as the death tax, so they can keep their farms in the family,” Trump said. 

“The American dream is roaring back to life,” emphasized Trump.

Regulatory assault

Among the action of his administration, Trump said he has also targeted efforts to reduce the impact of regulations.

“As we put money back in the pockets of all Americans, including our farmers and ranchers, we’re also putting an end to the regulatory assault on this way of life – and it was an assault, indeed,” Trump commented.

He continued, “For years, many farmers have endured burdensome fines, inspections, paperwork and relentless intrusions from an army of regulators at the Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and countless other federal agencies.”

In the last 11 months of the administration, Trump said his administration has cancelled or delayed over 100,000 planned regulatory actions.

“We have cut 22 regulations for every one new regulation,” he added. “We’re fighting for farmers. We’re fighting for our country and for our great American flag.”

Trump noted he has rolled back the Waters of the U.S. rule, using AFBF’s slogan, saying, “We ditched the rule.”

“We’re streamlining regulations that have blocked cutting edge biotechnology, setting free our farmers to innovate, thrive and grow,” Trump commented. “We know farmers are our future.” 

Trade

Trump said the future of farming will also be assured by removing restrictions of forestry and positively influencing exports. 

“To level the playing field for our great American exporters – our farmers and ranchers, as well as our manufacturers, we’re reviewing our trade agreements to make sure they are fair and reciprocal,” he explained, noting that negotiations may not be easy, but the importance of reciprocal trade agreements that benefit Americans means that hard work is worth it. “We’re going to make the North American Free Trade Agreement fair for American farmers and ranchers.”

Farm bill

Another instrumental piece of legislation, Trump vowed to pass a farm bill on time to benefit farmers and ranchers. 

“I support a bill that includes crop insurance,” he said. “We’re working hard on a farm bill. I’m working with Congress to pass that bill on time so that it delivers.” 

Historic perspective

Trump recalled the Battle of New Orleans, which took place 203 years ago on the day of his speech, noting that Tennessee’s volunteer army trekked to New Orleans and, outmatched, defeated the British Army anyway. 

General Andrew Jackson of Tennessee led the army, and Jackson recognized the importance of the farmer. 

“In the words of Andrew Jackson, ‘Farmers are the basis of American society and true friends of great liberty,’” Trump said. “Our task is to preserve the freedom that American soldiers have fought for and died for in every generation.”

In that spirit, Trump noted his task is to protect the U.S. Constitution and re-awaken the confidence of Americans. 

“If we do these things, we can re-awaken the confidence that inspired Jackson’s victory,” he said. “Our country is getting its confidence back again, and there is nothing we can’t do.”

“For Americans, there is no task too great, no goal too large and no dream beyond our reach,” Trump commented. “We are witnessing a new era of patriotism, prosperity and pride, and at the forefront of this exciting new chapter is the great American farmer.”

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to saige@wylr.net.