packers

President Trump recently called on the Department of Justice to investigate the beef processing sector, and the Meat Institute has responded.

Cattle producers across the northwest, and across the country have enjoyed good returns over the past couple of years, and it looks like that trend may continue for the foreseeable future.  Phil Bass, University of Idaho Associate Professor said between low cost of feed, high prices for fat cows, and weather that’s been cooperative in the Northwest, things have gone well for producers.  Bass added

The fifth and final rulemaking to strengthen the Packers and Stockyards Act was recently released by USDA.   “One of the real problems that we have as producers is the lack of transparency in the market. In cattle production, what we see is that as little as 12% or so of cattle are negotiated cash price, and that's what's reported," noted Joe Maxwell, chief strategy officer and co-founder of

Beef producers could enjoy better market conditions, and perhaps a better bottom line in 2023, that according to one University of Idaho expert.  Dr. Phil Bass said in his assessment the relationship between producers and packers has improved over the past 12 months, and he’s hopeful the positive dialogs as of recent will continue.  He noted that...

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is non-committal on supporting a renewed push in Congress for livestock marketing reforms.  Vilsack was careful in recent comments to not to overstep the general support he voiced last year for the Grassley-Fisher bill to boost price discovery and beef industry competition.   “...

The USDA says it’s extending the comment period on the proposed “Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act” by five weeks.  The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association welcomed the extension while urging USDA to proceed in a deliberate manner.    “While we appreciate th...

The Washington Cattlemen's Association has concerns about the federal government getting involved in issues between beef producers and meat packers. The WCA’s Mark Streuli said government intervention to try and make things more equitable between producers and packers is a delicate issue. "This is de ...

Ask industry experts and they’ll tell you the challenging economic conditions Oregon cattle producers are facing predate inflation, the pandemic and the trade war. Todd Nash, President of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association said their struggles started seven years ago. “Wh ...

What needs to happen to process more cattle, not only to remove the existing backlog, but also ensure growing demand is met domestically and internationally? Cameron Mulrony, Executive Vice President of the Idaho Cattle Association, said it’s not just about hook space, but also finding people to work in those processing plants. ...

The House voted 418-9 to advance legislation that would extend the authorization for Livestock Mandatory Reporting through September 30th, 2022. House Agriculture Chairman David Scott said that does not preclude market reforms to help independent producers ...