L E T T E R S

November 7, 2007
Fact or Fiction By Allan Sents, U.S. Cattlemen's Association Director Region Region VIII
Perhaps most disappointing in the Senate Farm Bill debate is that instead of engaging in the debate to develop meaningful reform, opponents intend to stifle debate through fear mongering tactics.
 
For example, U.S. Premium Beef's Steve Hunt described the proposals as an "anti value based marketing amendment."  The proposed legislation does nothing of the sort.  The proposed changes merely establish that an open, competitive bidding process will determine the base price in grids that reward value. National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Colin Woodall, stated that proponents of change "want to put government in control of the cattle business."  It is an undisputed role of government to maintain competition in a free market economy.  To allow participants to do "as they see fit" defines chaos, certainly not a society based on the rule of law; law that provides equal opportunity to its citizens.  
 
Any discussion about limits on determining value or personal freedom is merely a smokescreen for the real fear of anything that shifts leverage away from the few and powerful.  Whether they be packers or industry players, those with leverage don't want to see any of it go back to the economically efficient entrepreneurs that give life to our rural economies.