The Kentucky Cattlemen’s
Association hosted a town hall meeting last night in Marion County to
discuss volatility in the cattle markets. Since the fire on August 9th at a
Tyson packing plant in Kansas, renewed discussions about packer
concentration have concerned cattlemen across the state and nation. “I think it’s a positive sign
that this group can come together to discuss a unified effort among cattle
producers in fixing a reeling industry,” said Andy Bishop, a producer in
Nelson County. “This is the first step needed to work towards a solution
for an even playing field for all cattlemen.”
Kentucky Congressman, James
Comer, was present to hear from cattlemen and give an update on the
investigation by USDA’s Packers and Stockyards Division that is examining
any unfair practices that may have occurred after the fire.
“I appreciate the Congressman
attending tonight’s meeting,” said Jeff Pettit, a producer in Webster
County. “I sent an email to his office voicing my concern and Mr. Comer
answered and offered to help in any way he could.”
Around 50 cattle producers from
across the state attended the meeting. While packer concentration remained
the main topic of discussion, other topics included country of origin
labeling, opportunities to create a larger processing system in Kentucky,
imports and exports, and ways to include Kentucky in the Livestock Gross
Margin Protection (LGMP) program.
“I enjoyed meeting with the
Kentucky Cattleman’s Association to hear their thoughts and concerns with
beef markets,” Congressman James Comer said after the meeting. “The best
thing for commodity groups to do is like the meeting that was held, where
everyone can voice opinions and eventually work to a consensus on what’s
best for the state and our nation’s cattle producers. I look forward to
continuing to work on expanding markets and creating fair prices for all
the cattle industry.”
Source: Kentucky Cattlemen's Association
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