By Jamie Martin
R-CALF USA, the largest organization exclusively representing independent cattle producers in the U.S., has expressed strong support for the USDA’s proposed rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921. This rule, published on June 28, 2024, aims to protect farmers and ranchers from unfair market practices in the highly concentrated meatpacking industry.
The proposed rule focuses on defining unfair practices as conduct that harms both market participants and the overall market.
Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA, emphasized the importance of this rule in preventing further contraction of the U.S. cattle industry. It would give cattle producers the ability to seek legal protections against unfair practices affecting their operations.
In its comments to the USDA, R-CALF USA fully supported the agency's approach to expanding the Packers and Stockyards Act beyond traditional antitrust laws. However, the group also called for additional clarity in enforcement to ensure consistency and predictability.
R-CALF USA’s recommendations included eliminating the competitive injury standard, setting a financial threshold for enforcement, and removing the defense of independent legitimate business reasons for unfair practices. These amendments, they argued, would offer stronger protections for individual market participants and the broader market.
The group believes that with these changes, the proposed rule will provide meaningful protections for cattle producers and ensure fair competition in the livestock market.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-imaginegolf
Categories: National