The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) commends the recent action by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’ Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (USDA GIPSA) in submitting The Farmer Fair Practices Rules to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). According to a letter sent by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to industry groups, the long-awaited rules will seek to restore basic market protections for U.S. cattle producers.
The Farmer Fair Practices Rules include two proposed rules and one interim rule. The two proposed rules address tournament payment systems and issues of undue preference. The interim final rule clarifies language in the Packers and Stockyards Act that eliminates the need for producers to provide proof of competitive injury to the entire industry in order to file a complaint.
Following the announcement, USCA President Kenny Graner commented:
“USCA commends Secretary Vilsack for advancing the rulemaking process of GIPSA’s Farmer Fair Practices Rules. These common sense clarifications protect U.S. ranchers and cattle feeders from anti-competitive buying practices and help to advance true price discovery in a competitive marketplace. USCA will submit official comments on the rules once they are made available.”