USCA Challenges Opponents of Packer Ban

Allan Sents, USCA Director Region VIII, said arguments being brought forth by groups like the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) related to limits on determining value or personal freedom are a smokescreen for opposition of any legislation that shifts leverage and market power away from the few and powerful.

"The proposed changes merely establish that an open, competitive bidding process will determine the base price in grids that reward value," commented Sents, a cattle feeder from Marquette, KS. "The NCBA has 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," said Sents. "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. I would urge NCBA to become engaged in productive debate accomplishing meaningful, effective reform for the organization's members."

Jim Hanna, Nebraska, USCA Director Region VII said recent statements made by U.S. Premium Beef and NCBA are examples of fear mongering targeted at independent ranchers. "It is absolutely not true that the language in the Senate provision is an 'anti-value based marketing amendment'. The truth is that ranchers do not want to commit unpriced cattle to packers," said Hanna.

"The most successful quality beef program in the country is Certified Angus Beef and the program's success is not at all related to packer ownership of the cattle involved. If ranchers meet the specifications, premiums are paid and the premiums trickle back through the market system resulting in a market-driven program that encourages high quality beef. This system puts the paycheck for quality into the hands of the economically efficient entrepreneurs who raise the cattle. It goes without saying the packing industry isn't going to willingly relinquish market leverage, so it is not surprising they are pulling out all the stops to oppose this provision," continued Hanna. "It is truly reprehensible for an organization that touts itself as representing ranchers to facilitate the dissemination of misinformation and, I believe, discloses exactly whose interests that organization represents."

The U.S. Cattlemen's Association urges cattle producers to take a few minutes to call their Senators by dialing 202/224-3121 and requesting the specific Senator's office. Ask to speak to your Senator's legislative assistant for agricultural issues. Urge your Senator to support the Captive Supply Reform Act Amendment and the Clarification of the Packers and Stockyards Original Intent amendments. Ask them to oppose any attempt to weaken or strike these provisions of the Livestock Title. If the staff person has any questions, ask them to contact Jess Peterson, USCA Director of Government Affairs at 202/870-3867. All Senators need to hear from their constituents on this issue since the Farm Bill will be debated on the Senate floor beginning Monday, November 5.

Established in March 2007, USCA is committed to assembling a team to concentrate efforts in Washington, DC to enhance and expand the cattle industry's voice on Capitol Hill.  For more information visit www.uscattlemen.org

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