NFU Speaks Out at Workshop
Panelists push the need for reform in livestock marketplace.
Compiled by staff
Published: Aug 30, 2010
National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson, said that while the GIPSA proposed rule was a major point of contention, the focus of the workshop was on overall concentration in the livestock marketplace. Four companies control more than 81% of the total beef processing in the United States, allowing for non-competitive pricing to be forced upon producers.
In 1980, there were more than 666,000 hog farms and 1.6 million cattle farms or ranches. Today, there are only about 71,000 hog farms and 950,000 cattle farms or ranches. In 1980, hog producers received half of the retail value of a hog but in 2009, they got less than one-quarter of the value. Similarly, in 1980, cattle producers received 62% of the retail value but in 2009 received only 42.5%.
Two NFU members, Iowa Farmers Union president Chris Peterson and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union member Armando Valdez served as panelists during the workshop. Peterson and Valdez each highlighted the need for reform in the livestock industry, with an emphasis on the increasing consolidation and vertical integration in the livestock and poultry marketplace, resulting in a tougher environment for independent producers. Johnson said it is vital to have speakers from groups that represent the family farmer, not just the packer-producer organizations.
Permalink: Click here
Tagged: ranches
|