Lifestyles
Arizona Ranchers and Small Businesses React to Trump’s Tariff Plan
In Aguila, Arizona, signs on the side of the road, and on the pavement, warn drivers to look out for cattle.
Brian DeGanahl is a 3rd generation rancher, and on his ranch he and his family’s cows will produce enough beef to feed 4,000 families a year, but that number could be a lot higher.
“What we would like is to have access to these foreign markets,” DeGanahl said.
His cows will be steaks in a year, and he says if President Trump’s tariff plan works, beef producers like him could sell those steaks in international markets they don’t currently have access to.
“Australia ships a lot of beef into the United States, and that’s fine, but they won’t let our better cuts go into Australia,” DeGanahl said. “We have zero sales in Australia. None. And they sell billions of dollars in the United States.”
Even with the stock market dip, he says he is standing by President Trump, and wants other Americans to be patient.
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“We need to let this man work for a minute, It’s the art of the deal,” DeGanahl said. “We need to let him negotiate, he’s negotiated well for the American people before I think we need to give him a chance to do it again.”
When it comes to tariffs, for Arizona businesses, there’s two sides to the story.
In the Valley, full-time mom of three kids, and full-time small business owner Erica Campbell says she doesn’t have the time to be patient with tariff negotiations.
She owns ” Be a Heart “, an e-commerce business selling catholic themed gifts and products, which are all made in China. Proposed tariffs will eat into her profit margins, causing her to have to raise prices.
“Right now this $40 night light would need to sell for $62,” Campbell said.
Campbell says her family relies on the income from her business and she is very nervous about what the next few weeks and months will look like.
The Trump Administration wants to use tariffs to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., but Campbell says there isn’t enough manufacturing power here in the U.S. now for her to make her products here.
“It will probably take four years or more to build factories to make these products, which China has really perfected,” Campbell said.
Which is too long she says for her and many others if rising prices, and a recession, hit the U.S. economy because of the tariffs.
“I don’t know if by the time he figures it out many of us will still be here,” Campbell said.
The 10% percent universal tariff on imports is in effect, and higher reciprocal tariffs announced by President Trump kick in on April 9.
Arizona is renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. Beyond the famous Grand Canyon, several towns in the state boast unique traditions that reflect their history, creativity, and community spirit. Here are five towns in Arizona with distinctive traditions worth exploring.
1. Tombstone: The Wild West Legacy
Tombstone, famously known as “The Town Too Tough to Die,” preserves its Wild West heritage through reenactments of the legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Visitors can experience the longest-running professional gunfight show at the Old Tombstone Western Theme Park and explore historic saloons like Wyatt Earp’s Oriental Saloon & Theatre. The annual Helldorado Days festival further celebrates the town’s frontier spirit with parades, street performances, and cowboy-themed events.
2. Gila Bend: Desert Shrimp Festival
Gila Bend surprises visitors with its annual Desert Shrimp Festival, celebrating the town’s unique desert shrimp farming industry. The festival features shrimp dishes, Navajo jewelry, and local crafts while showcasing the region’s natural beauty through birding and stargazing opportunities. This quirky tradition highlights Gila Bend’s innovative approach to agriculture in an arid environment.
3. Jerome: Art and Haunted History
Once a thriving copper mining town, Jerome has transformed into an artistic hub with a haunted twist. The Jerome State Historic Park offers insights into its mining past, while the Jerome Grand Hotel attracts visitors with ghost stories and luxury stays. The town hosts art festivals and gallery tours that showcase its vibrant creative community against a backdrop of stunning views of Verde Valley.
4. Oraibi: Hopi Cultural Heritage
Oraibi is one of North America’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements, dating back to 1100 AD. Located on the Hopi Reservation, this town is a cultural and spiritual center for the Hopi people. Visitors can learn about Hopi traditions at the Hopi Cultural Center or explore ancient agricultural practices and crafts that have sustained this community for centuries.
5. Bisbee: Copper Mining Meets Arts
Bisbee blends its mining history with a modern artistic vibe. The Copper Queen Mine Tour offers visitors a chance to explore tunnels from one of Arizona’s most productive mines. Meanwhile, Lowell—a neighborhood within Bisbee—preserves 1950s Americana with vintage cars and retro diners, making it a favorite spot for photographers. Bisbee’s bustling arts scene includes galleries and events that celebrate local creativity.
Conclusion
Arizona’s small towns are brimming with unique traditions that reflect their historical roots and cultural evolution. From Tombstone’s Wild West reenactments to Gila Bend’s Desert Shrimp Festival, these towns offer visitors a chance to experience Arizona’s rich heritage in diverse ways.
FAQs
Q1: What makes Tombstone unique?
Tombstone is known for preserving its Wild West legacy through reenactments of historic gunfights, cowboy-themed festivals like Helldorado Days, and iconic landmarks such as the O.K. Corral.
Q2: Why is Gila Bend famous for shrimp farming?
Despite being located in the desert, Gila Bend has developed a successful shrimp farming industry due to innovative agricultural practices, celebrated annually at the Desert Shrimp Festival.
Q3: What is special about Oraibi?
Oraibi is one of North America’s oldest continuously inhabited towns and serves as a cultural hub for the Hopi people, showcasing centuries-old traditions and crafts.
SOURCES:
[1] https://www.thecollector.com/historic-small-towns-arizona-must-visit/
[2] https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/7-most-eccentric-towns-in-arizona.html
[3] https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/8-most-unconventional-towns-in-arizona.html
[4] https://www.britannica.com/place/Arizona-state/Cultural-life
[5] https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/these-towns-in-arizona-have-a-rich-cultural-heritage.html
[6] https://azstateparks.com/introduction-to-arizona-s-cultural-history
[7] https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/arizona/az-traditions
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