Idaho
First-generation Idaho ranchers struggle to stay afloat as inflation drives costs up by 75%
Small business owners are struggling to make ends meet as inflation remains painfully high with no relief in sight.
First-generation Idaho cattle ranchers Megan and Trevor Stark have had a “very challenging” time maintaining their enterprise while balancing rising prices and cutting costs to meet their consumer needs.
“[In] the last … year and a half, our costs have actually gone up 75% across the board for livestock, for feed prices, fuel, everything. So it’s gone up a drastic amount. And for us to continue on and to make a living, and expand and go through our entire business plan like we plan on, it’s very challenging,” Megan said on “America Reports” Thursday.
INFLATION, GLOBAL ‘SUSTAINABILITY’ PUSH A POTENTIAL DEATH SENTENCE FOR US AGRICULTURE, FARMERS WARN
Inflation accelerated in March for the third straight month, keeping prices painfully high for millions of Americans and likely delaying any interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
Since starting their business in 2020, the Starks have faced increasing financial hardship in the agriculture industry.
Trevor has even maintained his second job working at his parents’ construction company.
“I’ve always worked for my parents’ construction company, and we’d notice that with fuel prices and whatnot going up there… I’ll always continue to work the construction job,” he said. “But this is what we want to do to kind of set our kids up for a little more ag[riculture].”
First-generation cattle ranchers Megan and Trevor Stark discussed how inflation is impacting their business. (Starks/Fox News)
Businesses like the Starks’ cattle ranch are having to adapt as high prices hurt their bottom line.
“We’re trying to cut costs in a way that doesn’t hinder our quality of service and product. So we’re doing, like everybody else, cutting costs where we can and adjusting basically any which way we can to keep our costs, at least where they’re at, so they don’t keep rising. And that’s part of the problem is they continue to keep rising. So as we adjust, things keep going,” Megan said.
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The Starks, however, are being transparent and open with customers about their efforts to cut costs and adjust prices.
“We talk to our customers all the time. We have a very open and transparent business with our clients and our customers. So they feel the same things that we feel, and they know they’re basically part of our triangle as family. And so their opinions and their, their opinions matter,” Megan added.
Megan and Trevor put out a survey to gauge the thoughts and perspective of their customers on how to best address the financial constraints of pernicious inflation.
The ranchers reported the survey gave them valuable feedback and “insane” support as they navigate how to maintain their business.
FOX Business’ Megan Henney contributed to this report.
On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched major strikes in Tehran, with President Trump calling for an Iranian regime change.
RELATED | Trump announces ‘major combat operations’ in Iran, reportedly killing hundreds
President Trump authorized the U.S military operation without congressional approval, a decision that Democrats in Congress are arguing is unconstitutional.
RELATED | Trump’s Iran attack raises legal concerns among Democrats in Congress
Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea says Democrats are “demanding answers and accountability on behalf of the American people, who are being dragged toward another open-ended war they do not support.”
Necochea says her greatest concern lies with American troops, contractors and civilians who she says “did not choose this conflict.”
“Idaho has thousands of active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, and military families who live with the consequences when leaders make reckless choices,” she says.
However, not all lawmakers share Necochea’s sentiments.
Idaho Republican representative Mike Simpson commends President Trump’s “decisive action” in Iran.
Idaho News 6
“Iran was given every opportunity to resolve this peacefully through negotiations but chose not to,” Simpson said in a post to Facebook. “I commend President Trump for taking decisive action against a regime responsible for decades of terror. May God protect our men and women in uniform on this vital mission.”
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Nearly two-thirds of Idaho voters approved Medicaid expansion, but local leaders say that coverage is now at risk.
According to the organizers of a town hall set for Saturday, February 28, proposed changes could severely impact Idaho’s rural hospitals and leave thousands of residents without access to healthcare.
The town hall, titled “Protecting What Works: Medicaid Expansion in Idaho,” will take place at Chubbuck City Hall from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
A panel of representatives from across the healthcare sector — including home health, hospitals, and public and community health — will answer questions about how Medicaid expansion works in Idaho and how potential cuts could affect communities. Organizers say there will also be time for audience questions.
One of the event organizers told Local News 8 why the discussion is important:
“There have been conversations in the last couple of legislative sessions about either fully repealing Medicaid expansion or making significant cuts to Medicaid,” Shantay Boxham, the organizer, said. “This is an educational forum to ensure voters and community members have the information they need about what the program is, what’s at stake, and how it supports Idaho and Idahoans.”
There are limited seats available for the meeting. To reserve a spot, visit members.pocatello.com.
Local News 8 will continue to follow this story and have updates tomorrow.
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