Oregon Ranchers Keep Voting Republican Despite Beef Price Drop

Oregon cattle ranchers plan to vote for Republican candidates in the November midterms, even though recent federal trade policies have lowered the value of their livestock.

The shift in voting intent comes after the Trump administration announced a trade agreement in August. The deal allows for reduced-tariff beef imports from Argentina and other nations. The goal was to lower consumer prices, but the policy reduced the market value of domestic U.S. beef by nearly one dollar per pound.

Katie Baltzor owns a 160-acre farm outside Hines, Oregon. She operates the business alongside family members. This year, the farm faced drought conditions, wildfire threats, and high diesel fuel prices. In the summer, a fire killed a $5,000 Angus bull on her property. Despite these financial and physical losses, she intends to vote for the Republican party in Tuesday's election.

Baltzor cites a change in the political identity of the opposing party. She noted that she does not like how liberal some Democratic candidates have become. She believes the party has shifted away from the style of leadership seen under Bill Clinton or Barack Obama. Other ranchers in the region share this sentiment, prioritizing political alignment over short-term economic impacts.

The election will take place on Tuesday. Voters in Oregon have been casting ballots earlier in the week as part of the state's mail-in voting process. The results will determine the composition of the state legislature and various local offices.

In other local news, Cassidy Schutz released her first public statement since the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary earlier this month. The teacher described the heartbreak felt by the community and expressed a wish for healing. Separately, the Portland City Council sent a letter to the Portland Public Schools district. All 12 council members signed the letter. They asked the district to pause its timeline for final school closure decisions until more details are shared and community members have a chance to speak.

In Washington state, a new report indicates that 1,400 people died by suicide last year. That figure marks a record high for the state. In Portland, the city council also voted to adopt home energy score requirements. The new rules apply to houses that are put up for sale.